Suphajee to visit US for trade talks with USTR

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is set to visit the United States, from May 3 to 6, to engage in high-level talks with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding ongoing trade investigations and to showcase Thai investment potential.

Suphajee emphasised today the need for a proactive trade policy amid overlapping crises, especially the energy crisis, which have triggered a chain reaction affecting logistics, the cost of living and exports.

A primary focus of the visit is to clarify allegations of transshipment (the practice of routing goods through a third country to circumvent duties or tariffs), involving the automotive, rubber and machinery sectors, which are key to the Thai economy.

“Thailand has already submitted evidence to the US,” stated Suphajee, asserting that these industries maintain a local content proportion significantly higher than the levels alleged by American authorities.

The mission comes as Thailand faces scrutiny under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

Suphajee detailed two specific areas of investigation, including a multilateral probe involving Thailand and 16 other nations and forced labour allegations involving over 60 countries.

The Minister claims that Thailand has provided comprehensive data to the US and found no evidence to support the allegations of forced labour within its supply chains.

The US is set to hold public hearings from April 28 to May 14 to gather feedback on the information submitted by Thailand. Following this, technical consultations with the USTR are scheduled for May 13 and 14.

Suphajee emphasised the urgency of these negotiations, describing the current time as a "golden period."

Thailand is also aiming at maximising the number of products on the ‘Exempt List’, before the expiration on July 24 of US measures under Section 122, which currently impose a 10% import tariff.

Beyond trade disputes, the minister will lead a delegation of Thai private sector representatives to the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

The goal is to demonstrate the continuity and strength of Thai investments in the US, fostering a positive economic relationship between the two nations.

"We must adapt to the changing global economic context, both in terms of geopolitics and energy, to ensure our trade relations remain robust," Suphajee said.