Thailand Urgently Negotiates U.S. Tariff Deal
Thailand's deputy prime ministers are accelerating U.S. tariff negotiations as some Thai products face duties while others have secured exemptions, with labor practice reforms key to achieving a competitive 10 percent rate like other countr
At 4 p.m. on July 24, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas briefed reporters on progress in U.S. tariff negotiations. He said he had just coordinated with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthummaphand, who is overseeing the matter, and that today he would meet with the private sector. Many Thai products have received tariff exemptions with minimal impact, but some items remain subject to duties and require discussion with business leaders.
Ekniti emphasized that the most critical factor is accelerating talks with the U.S., which has not closed the door to negotiations. Thailand has not yet reached a final trade agreement, unlike other countries that have secured a 10 percent tariff rate. Suphajee is pushing hard to achieve this. Ekniti believes that if negotiations move quickly and Thailand addresses U.S. concerns about forced labor by reforming labor practices and meeting international standards, the country can compete on equal footing with others and minimize overall economic impact.
When asked which industries need to prepare for changes, Ekniti deferred to provide more detailed information. He also said he would review the figures to clarify the broader economic impact on Thailand.
