Thailand and US Ready to Open Talks on US Tariffs Regime

Strategic Insights -

Thailand's Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has announced that the country and the US are prepared to initiate discussions at a technical level regarding the US's tariffs regime. This development follows the US's stated willingness to engage in talks on June 7, which was welcomed by the Thai government. The minister emphasized Thailand's proactive approach in addressing the tariffs threat, citing the establishment of a US trade policy working group and the appointment of a primary liaison to the US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thailand's Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has stated that the country and the US are ready to open talks at a technical level regarding the US tariffs regime.
  • The Thai cabinet approved a negotiation framework last Tuesday, indicating the country's proactive approach to addressing the tariffs threat.
  • Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered the establishment of a US trade policy working group, chaired by Commerce Permanent Secretary Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, which was set up on January 6.
  • Commerce Minister Pichai has met with US high-level officials, including members of Congress, ministers, and private sector representatives during his delegation visit to Washington DC on February 4-8.
  • Mr. Pichai requested formal meetings with US Trade Representative Jamison Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in March, in addition to submitting policy proposals to the USTR on May 8.
  • The proposals, signed by Mr. Pichai, received a positive response from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and have been accompanied by two meetings between Mr. Pichai and Mr. Greer, including at the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for a Trade Joint Statement in Jeju, South Korea, and the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2025 in Paris.
  • US Trade Representative Jamison Greer has expressed appreciation for Thailand's consistent policy proposals and requested updates, expressing confidence that a formal meeting between the two sides will be arranged soon.

Statistics:

  • The US stated its willingness to hold talks on tariffs on June 7.
  • Thailand's Commerce Minister led a delegation of Commerce Ministry officials to Washington DC on February 4-8.
  • A US trade policy working group was established on January 6.
  • Commerce Minister Pichai requested formal meetings with US Trade Representative Jamison Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in March.
  • Policy proposals were delivered to the US Trade Representative on May 8.
  • Commerce Minister Pichai met with US Trade Representative Jamison Greer twice in recent months, including at the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for a Trade Joint Statement in Jeju, South Korea, and the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2025 in Paris.

Sources:

  • Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand's Commerce Minister
  • US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer
  • US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
  • US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
  • Thai Cabinet (approved negotiation framework last Tuesday)
  • Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (ordered the establishment of a US trade policy working group)
  • Commerce Permanent Secretary Vuttikrai Leewiraphan (chairman of the US trade policy working group)
  • Department of Trade Negotiations director-general Chotima Iemsawasdikul (expedited talks with public and private sectors)
  • US (stated willingness to hold talks on tariffs on June 7)
  • 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for a Trade Joint Statement in Jeju, South Korea
  • OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2025 in Paris