Thailand has postponed its upcoming trade negotiations with the United States after Washington requested a review of key issues, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed on Tuesday. The talks, initially scheduled for April 23, are now being rescheduled, although a new date has not yet been announced.
The delay comes as Thailand faces steep US tariffs—up to 36%—if a resolution is not reached before a global trade moratorium expires in July. The country is among the Southeast Asian nations most affected by tariff measures introduced during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We’re not too slow; we are reviewing the necessary issues, including our tariffs which may be appropriately adjusted,” Paetongtarn said. She emphasised that Thai agriculture exports and potential import revisions are under close examination as part of the ongoing review.
The stakes are high: the United States was Thailand’s largest export market in 2024, accounting for 18.3% of total shipments—worth $54.96 billion. Washington, however, has cited a $45.6 billion trade deficit with Thailand, a factor that has driven its push for tougher terms.
“We are consulting academics and all parties and doing our best in this situation,” the prime minister said. “We are protecting agricultural interests as much as possible,” she added, stressing the need for negotiations to be mutually beneficial.
Thailand’s agricultural sector has already begun to feel the pressure. Thai rice exports dropped 30% in the first quarter of 2025, raising concerns that the country may fall short of its full-year forecast of 7.5 million metric tons. In 2024, Thailand exported 9.94 million tons of rice valued at 225.65 billion baht, with the U.S. ranking as its third-largest market by volume.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who was expected to take part in the talks in Washington, noted that while the high-level negotiations were postponed, discussions are continuing at the working level. He also stated that he had no immediate plans to travel to the United States.
As the deadline approaches, both countries appear to be recalibrating their positions, with Thailand hoping to strike a balance between protecting its key industries and maintaining critical trade ties with its largest export partner.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
