Tariff no threat to mid-sized motorcycles

Thai exporters to retain US market

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Thailand’s medium-sized motorcycles (engines of 250-800cc), a key export product to the US, are likely to retain their market share despite the new 19% reciprocal tariff.

According to Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, although the price of Thailand’s medium-sized motorcycles is rising, they still remain 23-32% cheaper than Japanese competitors. This price advantage should allow Thailand to retain its share in the US market for this segment, he said.

“The tariff reduction by the US to levels similar to regional competitors helps lessen the incentive for manufacturers to relocate production bases to avoid high tariffs, while also preventing a partial loss of market share in the US,” said Mr Pornchai.

“In some industries, Thailand’s strengths in quality and production networks provide a competitive edge, even with higher tariff burdens.”