The Deputy Leader of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party advises Thai exporters to quickly finalize contracts with U.S. partners to reclaim a 4% tax differential after Donald Trump was forced to reduce the import tax to 15% following a court order.
On 23 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Attawit Suwanpakdee, Deputy Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, outlined ways to protect the interests of Thai businesses amid the fluctuating U.S. tariff policies. He noted that originally, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed import taxes on Thai goods as high as 19%, leading many Thai exporters to lower their prices to ease costs for their U.S. partners.
However, the situation changed recently after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a suspension of that tariff rate, forcing President Trump to reduce the import tax to 15% (effective for only five months unless Congress approves). This immediately created a 4% tax differential.
Attawit emphasized, “Practically, if this tax difference is refunded, the money will be returned to the U.S. importers, not the Thai exporters, even though the Thai side had already lowered product prices to help them. Therefore, I recommend Thai exporters promptly finalize contracts with U.S. partners to claim this 4% difference back if the U.S. government issues refunds, in order to protect Thailand’s economic interests.”
This move serves as a warning for Thai businesses to stay aware of global trade dynamics and avoid disadvantages amid the ongoing uncertainties in U.S. trade policies.