Thailand-US tariff talks delayed, but hopes for ‘good outcome’ remain

Ministerial-level discussions, originally slated for this week, have been pushed back. Thailand seeks to avoid a hefty 36 per cent US tariff

Reading Time:2 minutes

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration has warned that US tariffs could hinder economic growth if not negotiated down. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:08pm, 22 Apr 2025Updated: 2:23pm, 22 Apr 2025

Thailand, which is seeking a reprieve from the Trump administration’s plan to levy a 36 per cent tariff on its goods, has said ministerial level talks previously scheduled for this week have been delayed.

A new meeting date was being scheduled, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday. The talks were originally set for Wednesday.

“We’re not too slow and we are reviewing issues, including our tariffs that may be adjusted appropriately,” Paetongtarn said, adding that Thai agriculture exports and additional imports were being examined.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand’s lead negotiator on tariffs, also did not travel to Seattle last week to meet with American businessmen as previously announced.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, who is also part of the negotiation team, said the government was hopeful of a “good outcome” whenever the negotiations were held as the two countries had “good and long-standing” bilateral relations.

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by US President Donald Trump’s measures, facing a 36 per cent tariff if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.