Thailand has submitted its formal defence document to the United States by the 15 April 2026 deadline, rejecting allegations under Section 301 trade measures relating to excess production capacity and goods linked to forced labour. Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is also preparing to meet the US Trade Representative (USTR) in early May as discussions intensify over potential tariff actions affecting Thai exports.

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The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that Thailand delivered its rebuttal on time in response to the US Trade Representative’s investigation under Section 301. The case covers two main allegations: excess production capacity in automotive and parts, rubber products and electrical appliances, with 16 countries including Thailand named, and concerns over imports of goods linked to forced labour, with 60 countries including Thailand identified. All countries were invited to submit evidence by 15 April 2026.

Thailand’s submission states that it does not have excess production capacity in the three sectors identified. It also argues that government policy, in place since a previous administration, encourages the use of domestic raw materials and components to strengthen local manufacturing, rather than relying on external supply chains. The US has also raised concerns that Thailand could be used as a transit point for rerouted goods to avoid higher tariffs. On forced labour, Thailand stated it does not import goods from countries associated with forced labour.

Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee said she is confident in Thailand’s position but acknowledged uncertainty over the outcome of the US review process. She said, “We are confident in Thailand’s explanation because we are not as accused, but uncertain about the review outcome.” According to the timetable, countries under review may submit further clarifications around 13 May 2026, with Suphajee planning an early May trip to meet the USTR, followed by a possible second visit or video conference in mid-May to present Thailand’s defence directly.

ThaiRath reported that following the mid-May engagement, the USTR is expected to issue a decision within seven days, outlining any measures to be applied, including potential import tariffs. The US aims to complete the process before the 150-day tariff period under Section 122 trade law for trading partners ends around 24 July 2026, during which temporary tariffs of 10-15% apply. Any Section 301 measures could then continue beyond that period without interruption.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Reuters 17 Apr 2026

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8 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

On forced labour, Thailand stated it does not import goods from countries associated with forced labour

What's their thoughts on the thai fishing industry ?

The fishing industry is certainly one where Thailand's response is all at sea!

But, there might also be another more lethal area that might further undermine Thailand’s position, specifically regarding the US concern that it could be used as a transit point for rerouted goods to avoid higher tariffs.

There was an interesting article in The Business Times from 20 February 2026 in which it notes:

"In the 11 months to the end of November 2025, Russia imported US$125 million of drones from Thailand, 88 per cent of Thailand’s total UAV exports and eight times what it bought the previous year. In the same period, China shipped US$186 million of drones to the South-east Asian nation, accounting for almost all drone exports to Thailand".

Amazingly, on the same day, the Moscow Times is reporting:

"Thailand has started acting as a transit hub for Chinese drones deliveries to Russia in circumvention of Western sanctions"

Russia is under heavy sanctions, and drone technology is a high-risk category for forced labour and dual-use concerns. But, Thailand’s defence document says it "does not import goods from countries associated with forced labour" and denies being a rerouting hub.

A cynic might see this as Chinese drones enter Thailand, then Thai-labelled drones go to a sanctioned destination.

The US has already flagged Thailand as a potential transit point for rerouted goods to avoid tariffs. If the USTR sees this drone data, Thailand’s "we are not as accused" line might come crashing down.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

On forced labour, Thailand stated it does not import goods from countries associated with forced labour.

Cleverly worded half-truth, since Thailand itself produces goods with forced labour

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

What's their thoughts on the thai fishing industry ?

What goods does the Thai fishing industry import from countries with forced labor ?

1 minute ago, Ralf001 said:

What goods does the Thai fishing industry import from countries with forced labor ?

Seems you are unaware of the thai fishing industry and forced labor. Move along then nothing to see here.

How about just do away with tariffs altogether, from everywhere?

More Trumpest nonsense!

Shame on Thai govt supporting Russia's war effort for money!