Anutin-Trump tariff call proposed for September 17 or 18

Thailand has proposed a telephone call between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump on September 17 or 18 to discuss tariff terms, as trade negotiations enter their final stage, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.

Suphajee said the substantive negotiations had concluded and documents setting out the agreed principles had been completed. She and relevant officials were due to hold telephone talks with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that evening to review the details one final time.

The proposed leaders’ call would take place before Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, travels to the United States for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), where he is scheduled to participate on September 24.

Leaders to discuss final tariff rates

“The two leaders will have an opportunity to speak at UNGA, but there will not be enough time to discuss this matter in detail,” Suphajee said.

“The Commerce Ministry therefore needs to conclude negotiations on the substance. The tariff figures will then be put to the leaders for further discussion during their telephone call, when the prime minister may be able to negotiate a slightly lower rate.”

Suphajee said she was pleased that negotiations had reached this stage, acknowledging that the process had not been easy. Crucially, she said, Thailand’s tariff rates and trading conditions would be on a par with those of its regional competitors.

Thailand submits evidence on domestic production

Addressing earlier US concerns that Thailand was being used as a transshipment point, Suphajee said the USTR now had a better understanding of the country’s position.

Thailand had submitted evidence concerning three targeted industries, citing actual production figures of 75-90%, rather than below 60% as the US side had suspected.

The Commerce Ministry has also worked with the Industry Ministry to update the Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) so that it more accurately reflects Thailand’s changing industrial structure.

ASEAN meetings precede New York visit

Suphajee said she would first attend the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) in the Philippines rather than travel to the United States with Anutin.

Several trading partners, including the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, had requested trade discussions with Thailand during the meeting. She would then join the prime minister in New York after completing her ASEAN engagements.

Thailand targets EU agreement in principle this year

On negotiations for a Thailand-EU free trade agreement (FTA), Suphajee said the government aimed to conclude a deal in principle by the end of 2026.

The 10th negotiating round is scheduled to take place in Phuket from September 28 to October 3.

Anutin will chair a meeting with relevant agencies on September 18 to discuss outstanding obstacles and prepare assistance for those affected by the proposed agreement through the FTA Fund.

The draft agreement would subsequently proceed through public consultation and consideration by the Cabinet and Parliament.