Thailand sends deputy premier, finance minister to US for talks on trade tariffs

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Phichai Chunhavanich, will travel to the United States to discuss the introduction of a 36% U.S. customs tariff with U.S. authorities and the private sector.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made the announcement, adding that such tariffs would affect the export of Thai products to the U.S. and have a serious impact on several key sectors of the Thai economy, including electronics, processed food, and agricultural products, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Chinnawat emphasized that as part of a strategy to reduce the negative impact of the new tariffs, Thailand is ready to increase imports of energy resources, aviation, and agricultural products from the United States.

She also expressed confidence that these initiatives are fully in the country’s interest. Additionally, the Thai government will focus on developing investment cooperation with the U.S. and reducing trade barriers. Special attention will be given to combating misinformation about the origin of products sent through Thailand in transit to the United States.

These actions are in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement on April 2, regarding the introduction of a minimum 10% customs tariff on imported goods, with the possibility of setting specific tariffs for certain countries.

By Khagan Isayev