Thailand may buy more US goods in talks

Maybank predicts higher imports

- NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

Thailand could potentially import an additional US$32.9 billion worth of American goods to ease the adverse impacts of US President Donald Trump's tariffs by buying more aircraft, energy and grains from the US, says Kuala Lumpur-based Maybank.

Assuming Washington's imports from Thailand remain unchanged, Thailand would need to import $32.9 billion more worth of US goods to shave the deficit ratio to 20% and bring reciprocal tariffs down to the 10% baseline, said Chak Reungsinpinya, managing director and head of research at Maybank Securities (Thailand).