Thailand Seeks 13 More Product Exemptions From U.S. Tariffs
Thailand is seeking exemptions from U.S. tariffs on 13 additional product categories worth $4.95 billion, including jewelry, pet food, and seafood, as it negotiates with Washington over newly imposed 12.5% duties on Thai goods.
Thailand's Department of International Trade is negotiating with the United States to expand tariff exemptions under Section 301 measures announced by the U.S. Trade Representative on July 24, 2025, which imposed a 12.5% tariff rate on Thai goods. Currently, 2,120 Thai product categories—representing more than half of Thailand's U.S. exports—have been granted exemptions from the additional tariff.
The Commerce Ministry is now preparing to negotiate and submit a proposal requesting that the United States add 13 more product categories to the exemption list. These products have a combined export value of $4.95 billion, representing 8.81% of Thailand's total exports to the United States.
The 13 proposed product categories include handicrafts such as silver and gold jewelry worth $1.34 billion; packaged dog and cat food valued at $973.6 million; polished rice worth $850.2 million; medical rubber gloves worth $622 million; processed tuna and mackerel at $545.5 million; non-vacuum-packed shrimp at $174.3 million; cooked or frozen shrimp at $100.4 million; sauces and condiments at $74.3 million; non-alcoholic beverages at $72.4 million; processed cassava flour at $62.3 million; candies and sweets without cocoa at $51.8 million; canned or prepared salmon at $47.9 million; and dried pasta without eggs worth $39.9 million.
Regarding structural excess capacity concerns, the department director predicts the United States may use this issue to pressure faster negotiations on reciprocal tariff agreements, with clearer results expected in September or early October.
