The Thai proposals are aimed at gradually narrowing its US$46 billion trade surplus with the US and ensuring a lower tariff after an initial appointment slated for late April was postponed indefinitely. US officials asked Thailand to review some key issues including certificate of origin rules before entering into formal tariff negotiations.
Thailand has submitted a range of proposals to the US on how it plans to boost imports and promote investments, the latest bid by the Southeast Asian nation to nudge the Trump administration to begin formal talks over a planned 36% tariff on exports.
The offers were submitted last week, and Thai officials have been informally in touch with the US Trade Representative and some US secretaries, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters on Tuesday. “We’re still waiting for the right time to start talks,” she said.
