Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is preparing to negotiate US tariffs, confident the 19% tariff will proceed, adhering to the framework of the Trump-Anutin discussions, aiming to find new markets alongside FTA negotiations to expand the market.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chotima Iamsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce, revealed that regarding Thailand’s suspension of the Joint Declaration with Cambodia, violating the agreement, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed with US President Donald Trump, adhering to the original timeframe to finalize the details of the bilateral trade agreement by the end of this year. The Thai-Cambodian border issue will not affect trade tariff negotiations with the US. She confirmed that Thailand remains committed to its original goal and is working diligently, adhering to the framework discussed at the leadership level by both sides. She also confirmed to the USTR that Thailand remains ready to resume negotiations, despite the USTR previously sending a letter to temporarily halt negotiations. Security issues have never been included in the negotiation framework, which may be an external factor.

As for the 19% tariff rate on Thai goods imported from the United States, it is expected that the full target will be finalized by the end of this year. The USTR’s stance towards Thailand remains unchanged. The Ministry of Commerce is also preparing for entrepreneurs and implementing measures to upgrade products with service potential and is negotiating FTAs with several countries to find additional markets.