Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry is accelerating the preparation of proposals to counter US tariffs, aiming to submit its opinion on Section 301 by April 15, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Commerce has established a working group dedicated to addressing the impact of U.S. tariffs. This group is actively preparing to submit its opinion on the investigation under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act while continuing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations to diversify trade risks.
Ms. Chotima Iamsawadikul, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Negotiations, has disclosed that the working group is focused on studying, analyzing, and recommending strategies to mitigate potential impacts on Thailand, particularly concerning the export sector and businesses that might be affected by US trade measures. The group is set to submit its written opinions to the US investigation system under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 by the deadline of April 15, 2026. The government intends to use all available mechanisms to safeguard the country's trade interests and minimize potential impacts.
Simultaneously, the Ministry is expediting efforts to finalize pending Free Trade Agreements, including those with the European Union, South Korea, and between ASEAN and Canada. The goal is to conclude these agreements by 2026 to expand export markets and mitigate risks from global economic volatility.
Additionally, the negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement and finalize the Thailand-Peru Free Trade Agreement are underway. There is also a push for the ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement (DEFA), expected to be signed by November 2026 during the ASEAN Summit.
Ms. Chotima further mentioned that Thailand engaged in discussions with Australia at the 5th Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement Joint Commission meeting and the Strategic Economic Cooperation meeting to enhance cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, technology, digital trade, energy, and the green economy, aligning with the evolving global economic context.
Moreover, Thailand participated in the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers' Informal Meeting in the Philippines, where discussions focused on addressing global economic volatility arising from geopolitical factors. ASEAN emphasized the importance of maintaining economic stability, open trade, and supporting the multilateral trading system.
By 2025, Thailand's trade with 18 FTA partner countries is projected to reach US$404,963.3 million, accounting for 59.2% of Thailand's total trade. Meanwhile, Thailand's total trade with the world is valued at US$684,578.0 million, indicating a growth of 12.9%. This underscores the role of FTAs in driving trade and strengthening the Thai economy in the long term.