Thailand, April 8th, 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced Thailand’s strategic preparations for upcoming trade negotiations with the United States regarding new U.S. tariff policies.
Following a high-level meeting with relevant agencies, Pichai revealed that Thailand had identified five key discussion points for talks with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). He made it clear that Thailand is not reacting out of fear but acting proactively to protect national interests and pursue a win-win outcome.
The five strategic points include:
- Increasing imports of U.S. agricultural and animal products, such as corn for feed and offal for food processing and re-export, to help balance the trade deficit.
- Easing import regulations on over 100 U.S. products within existing quotas to reduce trade friction.
- Reducing non-tariff trade barriers in Thailand, including streamlining redundant regulations.
- Tightening scrutiny of goods’ origins to prevent third-country tariff circumvention via Thailand.
- Exploring investment opportunities in the U.S., such as logistics projects in Alaskan natural gas or agricultural processing ventures.
Minister Pichai noted that the U.S. tariff push stems from domestic policy needs, not aggression toward Thailand. He stressed that the Thai approach aims to benefit both sides and strengthen Thai industry in the process.
Talks with U.S. representatives, including the USTR and other agencies, are expected soon. Thai PM has appointed Minister Pichai to lead the negotiations, which aim for tangible results within 1–5 years.
Minister Pichai acknowledged that the global impact of U.S. trade moves is big but expressed confidence in Thailand’s preparation and diplomatic approach.
