Thailand seeks lower US tariffs on remaining product lines
Commerce Ministry data show 72% of Thai product lines under US Sections 301 and 232 measures are already exempt, with late-August talks targeting the rest.
Thailand will press the United States for lower tariffs or additional exemptions on the remaining 28% of Thai product lines covered by measures under Sections 301 and 232 during technical negotiations scheduled for late August 2026.
Commerce Ministry figures show that about 72% of the Thai product lines within the scope of the two measures have already received tariff exemptions. Officials are compiling supporting information for the other 28%, for which Bangkok will seek the lowest possible rates or further exemptions.
The government stressed that the 72% and 28% figures refer to the number of product lines covered by the measures, not their respective shares of Thailand’s total export value to the United States.
Deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana said Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun would present data on bilateral trade, investment and the links between Thai and US production chains during the negotiations.
The government aims to secure the best possible tariff conditions for Thai products, minimise the impact on exporters and protect Thailand’s competitiveness.
Thai investment supports case for shared gains
Thailand will highlight the contribution of its private sector to the US economy as part of its argument that the two countries have extensive mutual interests beyond merchandise trade.
Thai companies have accumulated nearly US$20 billion in investment in the United States and have plans for more than US$5 billion in additional investment. The government will use the figures to demonstrate that bilateral economic ties also encompass manufacturing, investment and interconnected commercial activity.
Officials emphasised that the nearly US$20 billion in cumulative private investment was evidence of shared economic benefits, not a condition being offered in exchange for tariff exemptions.
The planned investment of more than US$5 billion likewise represents future projects by private companies. It is neither new investment by the Thai government nor money that has already been fully invested.
US manufacturers generate at least 30% of surplus
Commerce Ministry data also show that exports by US companies with production bases in Thailand generate at least 30% of Thailand’s trade surplus with the United States.
The government will use the figure to argue that Thai and US supply chains are closely connected and that the bilateral economic relationship should not be judged solely by the headline trade balance.
“The government will present facts on trade, investment, employment and production chains to show that the economic relationship between Thailand and the United States benefits both sides,” Lalida said.
“Reducing tariff barriers would therefore benefit not only Thai exporters, but also US companies, investments and production chains connected with Thailand.”
Military cooperation excluded from tariff talks
The government rejected reports that cooperation in other fields could be used as leverage in the tariff negotiations.
Lalida maintained that the talks would be conducted within a trade and investment framework, with no military cooperation offered in exchange for tariff concessions.
Bangkok will seek to reduce the tariff burden on the remaining product lines as far as possible, but the discussions are still at the information-preparation and negotiation stage.
The final outcome will depend on the talks and the US authorities’ consideration. The government therefore cautioned against assuming that all remaining product lines would ultimately receive exemptions.
Thailand’s national interests and the interests of Thai businesses would remain the government’s priorities throughout the negotiations, Lalida added.
