USTR Agrees to Trade Talks with Thailand, Offering Hope for Tariff Relief

Thailand and the U.S. to Negotiate Import Tariffs Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant development for Thai-US trade relations, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has officially agreed to enter into negotiations with Thailand regarding import tariffs. The announcement came on June 9, 2025, from Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, who highlighted the positive response from the USTR. This follows Thailand's proactive proposal of a five-point plan to address the trade imbalance with the United States. The five points include: strengthening economic partnerships, particularly in processed foods and digital technologies; increasing US imports of Thai goods, including energy, agricultural products, and aircraft parts; tackling non-tariff trade barriers; enforcing rules of origin to prevent trade diversion; and promoting Thai investments in the US. The Thai government is aiming to reduce the trade deficit by half within five years. "This is excellent news for the Thai economy," stated a senior Thai trade official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The USTR's willingness to negotiate shows a recognition of the importance of a balanced trade relationship with Thailand." The successful negotiation marks a significant step towards improving bilateral trade relations and reducing the economic impact of previous US tariffs on Thailand. The upcoming negotiations are expected to shape the future of trade between the two nations.