Bangkok: Recommend accelerating transportation planning to prevent transshipment and create a balance of trade. The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) points out that this new tax will impact export costs, risk being interpreted as a transshipment issue, and put pressure on the Thai-US trade balance. The TCCC proposes that the government and private sector accelerate compensation, adjust logistics plans, and increase cross-border investment.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, addressed the impact of the United States' "Reciprocal Tariff" import tariffs, which impose a 19% tariff on Thai imports. He stated that the impact will inevitably affect Thai businesses and proposed three key mitigation measures.
Thailand continues to have a trade surplus with the United States, which is one of the reasons for the tariff adjustment. The Chamber of Commerce proposes to stimulate imports from the United States and promote Thai investment in the United States to reduce the trade imbalance and long-term political pressure on trade.
The US has made it clear that transshipment is subject to a 40% tariff and may be subject to increased penalties. The Chamber advises businesses to check their RVC and strictly adhere to the rules of origin to avoid being interpreted as tax evasion.
During the transition period, the new tariffs will take full effect from 7 August 2025 at 00:01 hrs. with tariffs set according to the transport schedule as follows: Goods shipped before August 7 and sold in the US before October 5, 2025, will be subject to a 10% tariff. Goods shipped before August 7 but sold from October 5, 2025, onwards will be subject to a 19% tariff. Goods shipped after August 7th will be subject to the full 19% tariff.
The Chamber of Commerce advises businesses to accelerate delivery schedule assessment and manage costs in advance to take advantage of special conditions and mitigate the impact of higher taxes. He emphasized that the Chamber of Commerce is ready to act as a central hub for the private sector to support the government in formulating precise measures to support, provide relief, and enhance the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs, mitigating their impact and maintaining the country's competitiveness in the global market.