Thailand's Prime Minister responds to US tariffs – questions the numbers and emphasizes the importance of exports

Following the US announcement of a 36% tariff on Thai goods, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sent out a clear message: Thailand is ready to respond, but demands transparency, fairness – and a negotiation based on facts, not estimates.

Thailand prepares response to US 36% tariff decision

The new US tariffs targeting Thai exports have sparked strong concern in Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has now confirmed that Thailand is ready to respond with both structural and strategic measures. A special negotiating team has been appointed, and coordination is already underway between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and the Prime Minister's staff.

Shinawatra emphasizes that Thailand prefers dialogue to confrontation, but that the country will defend its economic interests if necessary.

The Prime Minister questions the US figures.

According to Shinawatra, the US tariff rate is based on a calculation method that has never been used before in trade negotiations. She explains that the US has summed up the maximum levels for different product categories and thus arrived at an estimated tariff burden of 36%. In reality, Thailand's average tariff rate is about 9%, according to Thai government data.

She warns that these misleading figures could complicate negotiations and create an unfair picture of the Thai trading system.

Thailand responds to allegations of re-exporting Chinese goods

The prime minister also commented on US allegations that Chinese products are being smuggled through Thailand to avoid tariffs. She described the allegations as exaggerated but added that the government will strengthen oversight to prevent abuse.

The problem has been known for some time and is already subject to regular monitoring by Thai authorities.

Paetongtarn: Growth target should not be affected

Despite the new tariffs, the government insists that Thailand's GDP target remains intact. The prime minister says the economic structure is flexible enough to adapt, and the government will not allow growth to be negatively affected by the trade conflict.

The US remains Thailand's most important export market

According to Trading Economics The United States was Thailand's largest export destination in 2024, with a total export value of 55,1 billion USD. China and Japan follow. The figures clearly show how crucial the American market is to Thailand's economy.

(Sources: Trading Economics, Reuters March 28, 2025, Nation Thailand)

Against this background, it is easy to understand why Prime Minister Shinawatra is reacting forcefully to the US tariff decision. A trade surplus of over 35 billion USD against the US in 2024 has also attracted attention in Washington. To reduce the risk of further tariffs, Thailand has launched a strategy to increase imports from the US – particularly agricultural products such as corn, soybeans and ethylene.

Artiklar report

More articles about the US's new tariffs and the reactions in Asia:

Trump: The stock market will crash – the world is in a stock market crash
US customs figures questioned – no one knows how 90% was calculated
Asia reacts to new US tariffs – Thailand seeks dialogue
US imposes tariffs – affecting Thailand and Southeast Asia

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: A1Café, Wikimedia, original image