Thailand proposes meeting between PM and US President Trump for trade talks, minister says

BANGKOK: Thailand has proposed talks between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump this week, the Thai commerce minister said on Tuesday, as the two countries seek to conclude negotiations on a bilateral trade deal and discuss tariff rates. Anutin is travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly. Thailand has proposed a meeting with Trump on September 17 or 18, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun told reporters, and said she expected it to happen. The Thai commerce ministry aims to conclude trade negotiations before the leaders’ talks, leaving tariff rates and any final adjustments for leader-level discussions, she said. Thailand expects to secure tariff-rate trade conditions on par with regional competitors, Suphajee said. In July, the US imposed a tariff of 12.5% on imports from Thailand. The United States is Thailand’s largest export market, accounting for 24% of Thailand’s total exports so far this year.