Thai officials are set to present fresh proposals to their US counterparts during trade talks scheduled for Wednesday night Thailand time, as part of the country’s ongoing effort to prevent a potential 36% tariff threatened by President Donald Trump.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is expected to hold a video conference with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday morning Washington time, where he will discuss revised measures, including additional tariff waivers on US goods. Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat stated that further details have not been disclosed.
Thailand remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Washington before the August 1 deadline, when the threatened tariffs could be imposed.
Previously, Thailand pledged to eliminate import duties on 90% of US goods and remove various non-tariff barriers. The government also offered to increase imports of US agricultural, energy, and aircraft products to reduce its trade surplus, which stood at $45.6 billion last year.
The country, which has previously cut tariffs on imports such as longan and tilapia from other nations, may zero out tariffs on those goods for the US, according to Mr. Pichai. He added that while a 10% tariff rate is preferred, a range between 10% and 20% would be acceptable.
In 2024, the US was Thailand’s largest export destination, accounting for roughly 18% of total shipments. Thai exports increased by about 15% in the first five months of the year, aided by precautionary order increases ahead of possible tariff implementation.
This development comes shortly after US President Trump announced an agreement with Indonesia to reduce tariffs to 19%, down from 32%, with President Prabowo Subianto confirming that the deal includes zero tariffs on all US imports. The negotiations were described as “extraordinary,” conducted directly by the leaders, with Indonesia committing to significant purchase orders from the US, including 50 Boeing jets, and pledges to boost energy, agriculture, and merchandise imports.
Vietnam has also secured a 20% tariff rate but continues negotiations to lower it further. Meanwhile, Thailand’s neighbors in Southeast Asia face tariffs of 25% in Malaysia and 20% in the Philippines, which was previously set at 17%.
Thailand’s primary goal remains to negotiate a tariff rate that allows it to stay competitive within the regional market.
