Suphajee meets Thai business leaders in the US, discusses tariff and logistics challenges as reciprocal tariff talks progress

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun (ศุภจี สุธรรมพันธุ์) engaged with senior Thai business executives in Los Angeles to address tariff challenges, rising logistics costs, and the overall competitiveness of Thai products in the United States, while reaffirming progress in the ongoing Thailand–US Reciprocal Tariffs framework negotiations. The meeting was held at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, where the Minister led a delegation from the Ministry of Commerce to hear directly from key representatives of Thai enterprises operating in the US market.

The discussion focused on structural business limitations, market obstacles, and the impacts of US tariff measures, alongside increasing import–export and transportation costs. Participants also assessed opportunities for enhanced government support to strengthen the market position of Thai exporters. Private-sector leaders presented perspectives on competitive advantages, brand positioning, and areas where further cooperation from government agencies is required.

Key recommendations from executives included stronger government involvement in trade negotiations to reduce tariffs across priority product groups, increased marketing and promotional support, and improved data coordination with US partners. Additional proposals covered the promotion of SME products, export expansion for high-demand agricultural goods such as eggs and duck products, the development of value-added agricultural items, and strategies to attract high-potential foreign residents to Thailand. Suggestions for public–private collaboration included the introduction of a Long Stay Visa to stimulate investment in residential property.

Progress on the Thailand–US Reciprocal Tariffs framework remains steady and aligned with the agreed timeline, following commitments made during high-level discussions between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (อนุทิน วีรกูล) and President Donald Trump. The Ministry of Commerce continues integrating private-sector recommendations into policy formulation to reinforce the competitiveness of Thai businesses in the US market.

Emphasis was placed on the need to prevent transshipment, address false origin claims, and promote greater utilisation of local content. Strategic upgrades to the food industry, driven by innovation and high-value production, are considered essential to positioning Thailand as a Food Security Hub, shifting from raw commodity exports to the delivery of comprehensive food security solutions.

The Minister also referenced the 11-agency meeting convened on 14 May 2025, which reviewed unfair trade protection measures and the RVC-UP local content initiative. Three priority issues were highlighted: the influx of cheap and substandard products affecting consumer safety, unfair import competition impacting domestic producers—particularly in industrial sectors—and the prevention of transshipment activities that undermine Thailand’s trade credibility.