BANGKOK, April 22, 2025 – Thailand’s efforts to secure relief from the Trump administration’s proposed 36% tariff on its goods hit a snag as ministerial-level talks, initially scheduled for April 23, were postponed, officials confirmed Tuesday. The delay, announced without a specific reason, adds uncertainty to Thailand’s urgent push to mitigate the economic fallout from the U.S. tariff plan, which threatens to disrupt its export-driven economy.
The tariffs, part of a broader “reciprocal” trade policy unveiled by President Donald Trump on April 9, target Thailand due to its $45 billion trade surplus with the United States. Thai officials estimate the duties could reduce GDP growth by at least one percentage point and result in $7-8 billion in export losses. The 36% rate, far exceeding an originally anticipated 11%, stems from what Thailand calls a U.S. miscalculation of its average tariff rate as 72%, when they claim it is closer to 9%.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira was set to lead the now-delayed talks with U.S. counterparts to negotiate a potential exemption or reduction. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said Pichai would provide details on rescheduling soon, but no new date has been confirmed. The postponement follows the cancellation of Pichai’s earlier trip to Seattle to meet American business leaders, signaling possible shifts in Thailand’s diplomatic strategy.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has prioritized a “quick and precise” response to protect Thai interests, with the government proposing increased imports of U.S. goods—such as corn, soybeans, natural gas, and ethane—alongside lower tariffs and fewer non-tariff barriers. Thailand is also pitching itself as a “friend-shoring” partner, offering to process U.S. agricultural products for re-export and stressing its role in supplying hard disk drives critical to U.S. data centers and AI industries.
The tariff threat comes despite a 90-day pause on duties for most countries (excluding China), which has given Thailand breathing room to refine its approach. However, the delay in talks has risen concerns about the timeline for a resolution, as the U.S. remains Thailand’s largest export market. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan expressed optimism about a “good outcome” based on strong bilateral ties, but the rescheduling has left stakeholders anxious.
To cushion the potential economic blow, the Thai government is preparing stimulus measures to support manufacturing and export sectors facing job losses.
Photos: Recent photos of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her official X account.
