Thai Chamber of Commerce: Trump Tariffs Struck Down, Trade Negotiations Unaffected

Visit Limluecha, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, stated that the US Supreme Court's decision to cancel President Donald Trump's global customs tariffs does not interrupt tax negotiations between Thailand and the United States. Instead, it returns US trade policy to a more systematic legal framework. The ruling reflects that the US administration can no longer unilaterally impose broad taxes without legal grounds. This opens more negotiation space for trading partners like Thailand to provide technical explanations, which is overall positive for exporting countries. After the court's cancellation of emergency law, the US still has other legal tools. Article 122 remains the only direct presidential power mechanism that can be implemented without Congressional approval, though it is limited to 150 days as a temporary measure to pressure and expedite short-term negotiations. Visit noted that potential 10-15% tariffs under Article 122 are lower than previous rates of around 19%, making the impact more manageable for businesses. This situation also creates a trade opportunity, with US importers likely to accelerate imports to prevent future policy uncertainties. Thailand must prepare by compiling comprehensive data on issues the US has previously raised, including cost structures, subsidies, market dumping, labor standards, environmental concerns, food hygiene, and intellectual property to enable systematic technical explanations within the 150-day window.