Thailand Accelerates US Tariff Talks, Deputy USTR to Meet at ASEAN Summit

Supachai Sutthiphan, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, revealed that tariff negotiations with the United States are entering their final stages. She stated that there are still minor details to be discussed between Thailand and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR). Supachai is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting in the Philippines tomorrow (as of the article's writing), where she plans to further discuss the matter with Deputy USTR Rick Switzer. She expressed her intention to reach a resolution soon. Regarding a direct call between the Thai Prime Minister and the U.S. President to finalize the tariff deal, Supachai mentioned that no appointment has been scheduled yet. However, when asked if additional written agreements are required, she nodded affirmatively, describing them as "minor details." She further suggested that a meeting between the leaders of both countries should be arranged after the negotiations are concluded, as the issue necessitates discussion at the highest level. When questioned about the Prime Minister's intention to request the U.S. consider special tariff rates for Thailand, contingent on Thailand's adherence to its agreements with Cambodia, Supachai stated that this is a matter for the Prime Minister to discuss directly with the President. Her own focus, she added, is on completing the detailed homework assigned to her. Information Source: INN News