Trade proposals pitched to US

Pichai outlines plan to cut US tariffs

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Trade proposals that Thailand has submitted to the US Trade Representative (USTR), outline Thailand's willingness to import energy products, petrochemicals, aircraft, fruit, and animal feed from the United States, says Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

He gave an update on the progress of trade discussions between Thailand and the US, saying Thailand had formally submitted the proposals to the USTR through the commerce minister on May 8.

The proposals had been approved by Thailand's trade policy working group and the prime minister. Discussions had already taken place with the US team in advance, covering the following points:

First, a partnership proposal: Thailand has proposed collaborating towards becoming an economic partner with the US, focusing on processing industries and the digital technology sector, including data centres and Al industries.

Additionally, there will be discussions on reducing both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.

Second, increasing imports from the US: Thailand has expressed a willingness to increase imports from the US in areas such as energy, petrochemicals, animal feed, fruit, aircraft, and components, including service equipment.