Government measures to help Thai SMEs affected by US tariffs

The government is rolling out measures, through the Export and Import Bank (Exim Bank), to help SMEs cushion the impacts of the 36% reciprocal tariffs to be imposed on Thai products entering the US market.

Citing the information from the SMEs Promotion Office, Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan said that about 3,700 Thai SMEs, which exported goods worth about US$7.6 billion to the US, are expected to be hard hit by the tariffs, once they come into effect.

The Exim Bank has set up an “Export Clinic”, offering assistance to SMEs exporting goods to or importing them from the US. SME debtors will have their repayment periods extended, to a maximum of 365 days, and will receive interest rate reductions, as well as additional credit to improve their liquidity.

The bank will also provide advice and consultation on how best to cope with the increased tariffs, said Sasikarn, adding that this will help SMEs find new markets, by supporting participation in trade exhibitions, and will help to cover 75% of any damage incurred as a result of their foreign customers defaulting on payments for goods exported.

Total Thai exports last year are estimated at over US$300 billion, including US$55 billion to the US.

Sasikarn said that the government is helping Thai SMEs to cope with the new trade challenges and has confidence in their ability to adapt and survive.

Meanwhile, People’s Party Deputy Leader Sirikanya Tansakul said she expects that it will be 2-3 months before the actual amount of reciprocal tariffs on Thai exports to the US is known.

While waiting for the end of the current 90-day pause in the imposition of the tariffs, she suggested that the government reviews its budget for the 2026 fiscal year in reaction to the US tariffs.