Thai Finance Minister’s Upcoming U.S. Trade Talks

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced on Monday his impending travel to the United States for a two-day trade negotiation.

During a local news program, he expressed hope that U.S. tariffs on Thailand would not exceed those imposed on other countries, stating, “I hope that no matter how much, it won’t be more than anyone else’s.”

Thailand is facing a potential U.S. tariff of 36% if an agreement is not reached before the moratorium expires on July 9, whereas a 10% tariff is currently set for most nations during this period.

Earlier this month, Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan optimisticly mentioned that discussions may provide favorable terms on tariffs, possibly lowering them to as low as 10%.

Thailand is hopeful that negotiations can be extended beyond the end of the tariff pause next month.