Bangkok: Thailand has taken an aggressive step by submitting a new round of trade proposals to the United States, aiming to open the market to US agricultural and energy products, hoping to reduce import tariffs. The government has confirmed that it is moving forward with full force, focusing on national interests and is ready to immediately set a framework to help exporters and the agricultural sector.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has explained the progress of trade negotiations with the United States. Thailand has officially submitted a revised proposal to the United States on the night of Sunday, July 6, 2025, which aims to increase the value of bilateral trade between the two countries and reduce Thailand's trade surplus with the United States by 70 percent within 5 years. It is expected that the trade balance will be created within 7-8 years, which is faster than the original plan that was proposed to reduce the trade surplus within 10 years.
Thailand's new proposal contains clearer details, both in terms of opening the market for agricultural and industrial products from the United States and increasing purchases of energy and aircraft from U.S. companies. In terms of market opening, Thailand has focused on products in groups that are still in short supply or cannot be produced domestically, so as not to affect Thai farmers and entrepreneurs. At the same time, it has proposed reducing non-tariff barriers and improving related processes to increase trade flexibility and enhance competitiveness.
Thailand has also made clear its commitment to purchasing energy from the United States, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Alaska gas projects, for which Thai private companies are in talks to purchase large volumes of LNG over a 20-year period. Meanwhile, several Thai chemical companies have pledged to import more ethane from the United States. Thai airlines have also signaled plans to purchase more Boeing aircraft.
The government is committed to protecting the Thai economy from possible impacts from US tariffs. In the past, the government, represented by Team Thailand, has continuously discussed with various sectors both domestically and from the US to develop a proposal that is thoughtful, comprehensive, and emphasizes the mutual benefits of both countries. The government would like to confirm that it will continue professional negotiations and expedite the conclusion from the US before the expiration of the US tariff suspension period.
The government is also preparing relief measures for businesses and farmers affected by this tax measure if the US announces import tariffs on Thailand or introduces other measures that are higher than initially estimated.