Supachee Urgently Assesses US Stance After Trump Tariffs Deemed Void

Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammanon revealed that Thailand continues trade negotiations with the United States to maintain trade and investment stability, reduce risks from trade measure volatility, and protect Thai business operators. The Ministry of Commerce is closely tracking US trade policy developments, even after the recent US Supreme Court decision affecting US tax measures. The ministry has assigned the Department of International Trade Negotiations to comprehensively assess the situation and potential impacts on Thai businesses. The Supreme Court ruling, made on February 20th with a 6-3 decision, upheld a lower court's judgment that President Donald Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose retaliatory tariffs was unlawful, as IEEPA does not grant tax collection authority, which belongs to Congress. Supachee noted that the ruling reflects principles of power checks and balances, emphasizing that while IEEPA grants broad executive powers during economic emergencies, customs tariffs require clear legislative authorization. Importers have the right to file tax refund claims, though the process is likely to be complex. Thailand must continue closely monitoring the US government's stance, especially following the president's new 10% import tariff order under Trade Act 1974, effective February 24th.