BANGKOK, Thailand – The Commerce Ministry has established a special task force to monitor a U.S. investigation into alleged unfair trade practices under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthampun said the review will examine structural excess production capacity in the industrial sector among several trading partners, including Thailand.
The investigation was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, which has opened reviews covering 16 economic jurisdictions. Under this process, the United States may impose measures such as higher import tariffs or restrictions if a country’s policies are determined to be unfair or discriminatory.
Suphajee said the task force will be chaired by Permanent Secretary for Commerce Vuttikrai Leewiraphan and will include directors-general from all departments within the ministry. The group will assess possible effects on individual industries and prepare explanations to clarify Thailand’s position and reduce the risk of additional tariffs on Thai products.
Factors cited in the preliminary assessment include Thailand’s goods trade surplus with the United States, which reached about $51 billion last year, and manufacturing capacity utilization rates that have remained below 60 percent for two consecutive years. Industries identified in the review include automobiles and auto parts, machinery, and rubber. Thailand may submit written comments to the USTR by April 15, 2026, and may request to participate in public hearings scheduled from May 5 to 8 in Washington, D.C. (NNT)
