Commerce Ministry is monitoring impacts of US tariffs on imported steel

NONTHABURI, March 9 (TNA) -- Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong says the United States’ decision to impose steel import tariffs has not had an impact on Thailand yet and he assures the ministry is monitoring the situation closely before making any response. Mr Sontirat made comments on US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose import tariffs on steel at 25% and aluminium at 10%. The decision will take effect in 15 days and have impacts on all countries except some countries including Canada and Mexico pending their free trade negotiations with the US. The commerce minister said Thailand exported steel worth about US$800 million annually to the US and the countries that were major steel exporters could direct their exports from the US to other countries including Thailand. Mr Sontirat said the Commerce Ministry would study impacts thoroughly and wait to see reactions from other countries before deciding on the possibility of any measures or responses. (TNA)