Thai exporters, trailing Vietnamese peers in the US, worried about Trump's policy

By Reuters/Kitiphong Thaichareon   April 12, 2017 | 12:23 am PT
Thai exporters, trailing Vietnamese peers in the US, worried about Trump's policy
People shop inside a supermarket in Bangkok. Photo by Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha
Thailand had a trade surplus of about $18 billion with the US last year, well behind Vietnam's $32 billion.

Thailand's top business group expressed concern on Monday about the impact of changes in U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump on the big Southeast Asian exporter.

Thailand runs a large trade surplus with the United States and Trump last month ordered a study of the causes of U.S. trade deficits.

"This is important and could create uncertainty in trade and investment although the details are still unclear," Jane Namchaisiri, chairman of a joint panel of the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers' Association and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, told a briefing.

Thai exports, including food, electronics, automobiles and parts, could be affected by U.S. anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties, he said.

Other goods may also feel the pinch if Thailand's trade partners, such as China and Japan, face U.S. trade measures, Jane said.

Exports are worth about two thirds of Thailand's economy. The country is a regional production and export base for the world's top carmakers and is the world's number-two maker of hard drives.

Thailand had a trade surplus of about $18 billion with the United States last year, putting it 11th globally - well behind China's $347 billion surplus or nearby Vietnam's $32 billion.

But the United States is Thailand's second-largest export market this year after China at a time the junta is struggling to lift growth in Southeast Asia's second's largest economy, which has lagged regional peers.

The junta should invite U.S. representatives to come examine Thai products, rather than waiting for them to ask, Jane said.

Assistant central bank governor Jaturong Jantarangs said on Friday there was time for negotiation before there was any impact on Thai exports to the United States.

A strong baht was also a worry, Jane said, with the currency becoming the best performer in Southeast Asia this year with a 3.7 percent rise against the dollar.

 
 
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