Commerce Ministry prepares trade talk with the US

NONTHABURI, June 27 (TNA) -- Senior officials of the Commerce Ministry have discussed the impacts of the United States’ trade barriers with the private sector to prepare for a talk with the US late next month. Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara said she and other commerce officials met representatives of the Board of Trade and the Federation of Thai Industries to discuss the impacts of trade disputes between the US and trading partners including China on Thai industries. The meeting acknowledged that some Thai industries in the supply chains of concerned countries might be affected. Representatives of the Commerce Ministry would discuss the information with the United States Trade Representative on July 22-24. On the occasion, Thailand also would inform the US that considerable Thai exports to the US were meeting American demand and that US exports to Thailand were increasing, Ms Chutima said. The deputy commerce minister also said that the US imposed many trade barriers and raised tariffs on washing machines, solar cells, iron and aluminum products as well as technology and intellectual property products this year. Besides, the US is considering trade barriers on automobiles and parts. She said Thai exports of washing machines and solar cells to the US dropped by 30% and 50% year-on-year respectively in the first five months of this year. (TNA)