Supachai Pushes USTR for Conclusion to Ease Tariff Pressure
Thailand's Commerce Minister Supachai Suthummaphand met with U.S. trade officials to accelerate negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, seeking tariff exemptions for Thai products while discussing joint investments in agriculture, ene
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthummaphand reported on May 4, 2025, that her discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy USTR Rick Switzer were constructive and reflected shared commitment from both Thailand and the U.S. to accelerate the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) negotiations toward a quick conclusion to boost economic and investment confidence while reducing U.S. trade pressure.
The U.S. emphasized trade balance rebalancing and welcomed Thailand's expanded investment in joint-potential sectors including agricultural processing and energy, while Thailand seeks to import U.S. goods it cannot produce domestically. Thailand confirmed its readiness and presented Thai private sector investment plans to the U.S., which received positive reception and represents a tangible cooperation element both sides can advance together.
Supachai emphasized Thailand leveraged this opportunity to push multiple key issues, particularly securing U.S. tariff exemptions for Thai products the U.S. cannot domestically produce, with the U.S. showing openness and willingness to consider further. Both sides agreed to expedite negotiations to conclude the agreement's essential elements soon, confirming Thailand's status as a strategically important U.S. trading partner and reducing future tariff risks.
The Commerce Ministry will send a Thai delegation to the U.S. on May 13-14, 2025, to present and answer questions before the USTR office regarding the Section 301 investigation, aiming to clarify Thailand's trade and production structure. During her U.S. visit, Supachai also discussed economic cooperation, investment, and supply chain enhancement opportunities with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
The U.S. proposed cooperation in potential sectors including clean energy and carbon reduction technology, small nuclear energy technology, food innovation, healthcare cooperation, and infant food industry—areas of interest to Thai private companies. Both sides agreed to promote cooperation between private sectors, educational institutions, and U.S. government agencies, particularly in Illinois, which has potential in energy, technology, and advanced agriculture, to expand investment and create long-term supply chain value.
