Economy Thailand Urgently Negotiates Tariff Agreement with US as Deadline Looms

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand faces a crucial negotiation deadline with the United States on reciprocal tariffs, set to expire on July 7, which could result in tariffs rising to 36% if unresolved. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is leading delegations to Washington to avert this economic challenge.

 

Ongoing discussions, started months ago, involve multiple US agencies, including the Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative (USTR). Pichai highlighted the dynamic negotiation landscape, stressing the importance of collaboration between Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office and Department of Trade Negotiations.

 

Thailand intends to hire a US-based consultancy or lobbying firm to navigate these complex negotiations. Such services typically cost between $20,000 and $300,000 per month, but specialised expertise in policy connections is deemed crucial given the high stakes.

 

The negotiations aim to maintain Thailand’s trade competitiveness, with Pichai emphasising transparency under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act. Without adequate support, Thai exporters, farmers, and businesses risk substantial setbacks.

 

A preliminary US proposal suggested raising tariffs on Thai goods from 10% to 18%, including non-tariff conditions. Thailand seeks to negotiate this figure closer to the 10% rate applied to other countries, potentially securing an extension beyond the looming deadline.

 

Pichai is departing for the US to engage directly in these critical discussions. He aims for a resolution that respects national interests while accommodating US constraints, striving for a "win-win" outcome. The talks will also focus on non-tariff barriers, providing Thailand an opportunity to refine its regulatory framework for enhanced trade flexibility.

 

While no countries have yet finalised agreements, there’s optimism that negotiation timelines might extend. Pichai stressed the need to avoid any disadvantage compared to other nations, underscoring the necessity of preserving Thailand’s competitive edge in the global market.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-30

 

 

[Gknrd]

About time the US started taking action. Hit them with all that can be tolerated...

[DezLez]

Just now, Gknrd said:

Hit them with all that can be tolerated...

Tolerated by whom?

[angryguy]

36% would be devastating to many businesses here

[Gknrd]

I'm in the US at present and paying the extra Tariff's .  Fine with me. 36% would be about right for Thailand. Let China make up the difference,  

[bubblegum]

4 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

I'm in the US at present and paying the extra Tariff's .  Fine with me. 36% would be about right for Thailand. Let China make up the difference,  

So what's your fav. drink? I'd change it if I were you.

[metisdead]

Posts with derogatory nicknames, intentional misspellings or personal remarks will be removed. Spell names correctly for all sides of the debate.

[Quentin Zen]

33 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

US proposal suggested raising tariffs on Thai goods from 10% to 18%,

Hit me up on the down low, I got connections.   Free visas, can own a house, dual citizenship, etc......and I just might be able to get this range to 9.9 to 17.9%.   That 0.1 percent is huge.  HUUUUUUUUUUGGGGEEEE 

 

China gets 400%.  Russia 90000%.  Cambodia 600%.   Thailand, I got your back

[Yagoda]

26 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

I'm in the US at present and paying the extra Tariff's .  Fine with me. 36% would be about right for Thailand. Let China make up the difference,  

The price of important stuff from Amazon like pimple poppers and Hello Kitty hairpins is waaaaay up. Good thing that the price of gas and eggs are down.

[sammieuk1]

Hey Donald' massive currency manipulation going on here just thought you should know🤔 

[impulse]

Does this mean an affordable C8 Corvette in Thailand?

 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

The Bank of Thailand just needs to move its US dollar holdings into Trump crypto. That'll make this tariff stuff go away.