The government clarified that the U.S. has increased tariffs on Thai goods to 12.5%, matching the level applied to Thailand’s main competitors. It is accelerating ART negotiations to support exporters and stressed it will not underestimate the situation or create undue alarm.
On 25 July 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatthana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, disclosed the following regarding the United States' announcement to adjust import tariffs on goods from Thailand under Section 301, the government wishes to clarify the facts so that businesses and the public have a common understanding that the tariff rate effective from 24 July 2026 represents an increase from the original 10% to 12.5%, a net rise of 2.5 percentage points, and is not a new imposition of a full 12.5% tariff. She emphasized that this rate aligns with tariffs imposed on Thailand’s major competitor countries, so it will not significantly affect the competitiveness of Thai products in the U.S. market.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added that monitoring data with relevant agencies shows over 2,120 Thai export items are exempt from these tariffs. These include key products such as integrated circuits, natural rubber, and cassava starch. These exempted items account for more than half of Thailand’s export value to the U.S. However, the impact on each business may vary depending on customs codes, product types, supply chains, and U.S. import conditions. Therefore, it should not be assumed that all Thai goods will be unaffected.
“The government understands exporters’ concerns, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, but asks that facts be considered on a product-by-product basis and that alarm is not raised based solely on headlines. This measure increases the net tariff rate by 2.5 percentage points from the previous base and is not a new full 12.5% tariff. Meanwhile, over 2,120 Thai products are exempt from these measures.”
Meanwhile, many of Thailand’s main competitor countries, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are also subject to a 12.5% tariff. Thus, this does not significantly impact the competitiveness of Thai exports to the U.S. Moreover, more than half of Thailand’s export value to the U.S. is not subject to increased tariffs. The government will use data segmented by product groups and impact levels to design targeted assistance measures rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach for all businesses.
The government and Ministry of Commerce are accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) to maintain competitiveness and protect the long-term interests of Thai exporters. This is alongside assessing impacts and preparing appropriate support measures tailored to each product group, with no set timeline yet for concluding the negotiations.
Simultaneously, the government is closely monitoring the U.S. investigation into Structural Excess Capacity, which covers multiple countries including Thailand. Since this process has no conclusion yet and may affect future trade conditions, relevant agencies are compiling data on production, exports, and supply chains to prepare explanations and safeguard national interests based on verified information.
Ms. Lalida concluded by saying, “The government’s approach is to communicate transparently, clearly distinguishing what measures are in effect and which are still under negotiation or investigation. It will support businesses according to the actual levels of impact. The government will neither underestimate the situation nor cause undue alarm and will work closely with the private sector to maintain the U.S. market while expanding alternative export markets and enhancing the competitiveness of Thai products.”