Thailand has joined more than 50 countries in launching negotiations with the United States over sweeping new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which have rattled global markets and triggered concerns of a looming recession, Khasod English reported.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on April 6 that Thailand would seek talks with Washington following the imposition of tariffs on Thai exports. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is set to travel to the US for discussions with key stakeholders. “Thailand has been a long-term, reliable economic partner and ally of the US, not merely an exporter,” Shinawatra said in a statement.

The tariffs, set to take effect on April 9, pose a significant threat to Thailand’s export sector, particularly in electronics, processed foods, and agricultural goods. The Thai government has laid out a multi-pronged strategy in response, including proposals to increase imports from the US in energy, aviation, and agricultural sectors; collaborate with American industrial and agricultural groups; promote Thai investments in the United States; and address import barriers and product origin misrepresentation.

Shinawatra said the government would roll out both immediate and long-term support measures for affected businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. These measures include diversifying exports to new markets in the Middle East, Europe, and India, and accelerating free trade agreement talks.

Wutthikrai Leeviraphan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Chair of the US Trade Policy Working Group, outlined the tariff timeline. Phase one begins at 00:01 on April 5 (US time), with a blanket 10% tariff on all imports from all countries. These new tariffs will apply in addition to existing duties and fees. Goods already en route to the US before the deadlines will be exempt from the 36% reciprocal tariff.

Some categories are excluded from these measures, having already been targeted in earlier actions, including steel and aluminium products with a 25% tariff imposed on March 12 and automobiles and parts with a 25% tariff imposed on April 3. A temporary exemption applies to additional sectors pending separate announcements, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, processed wood, certain minerals, and energy products, which may be subject to a 25% tariff in the near future.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned that negotiations would take time. “This isn’t the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks,” he said, adding that any country’s offer must be “believable”.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the tariffs would proceed as planned. “The tariffs are coming. Of course they are,” he said. “President Trump needed to reset global trade,” though he added they would “definitely” remain in place “for days and weeks”.

Trump, posting online from Florida, where he spent the weekend golfing, wrote: “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH; it won’t be easy.” The tariff move has prompted coordinated discussions among ASEAN member states. Vietnam, a key apparel exporter, is reportedly exploring a deal to reduce its own tariffs to zero in exchange for US concessions. Cambodia has formally requested a delay of the 49% tariff on its goods.
Other regional players involved in the issue, include Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, although it is understood that while they are also preparing their own strategies, no public statements have yet been issued.

ASEAN economic ministers are expected to hold an emergency virtual meeting in the coming days.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged that countries are “angry and retaliating” according to the report, but added that they are “coming to the table”. The US Trade Representative reported that over 50 nations had made initial contact to begin talks. With the April 9 deadline looming, businesses and governments across Southeast Asia are bracing for economic turbulence as negotiations continue without a clear resolution in sight.