Thailand's Last-Minute Power Play: Can It Dodge Trump's 36% Tariff Bomb?
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with BA.
This isn't just about tradeit's about survival. The US is Thailand's biggest export market, accounting for 18% of shipments. Miss the mark, and the country could lose up to a full percentage point in export-driven growth. Thailand's revised offer includes bigger purchases of liquefied natural gas, Boeing (NYSE:BA) aircraft, and US ag staples like corn and soybeansmoves that could resonate with key US voter blocs. Digital services from the US may also be spared local tax, giving tech names like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) more breathing room if digital or EV policy gets looped in down the line. Chanintr believes Thailand's offer now outpaces those from Vietnam and Indonesia, which both settled for 1920% tariff levels in their own talks.
Timing couldn't be more delicate. Domestic demand is soft. Household debt is Southeast Asia's highest. And the political scene just got rattled with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's suspension. With investor sentiment already on edge, a breakthrough could ease pressure and restore some stability. We're so close to the finish line, Chanintr said. Talks are ongoing with USTR Jamieson Greer. The hope? Wrap up before August 1 and avoid getting sideswiped by the broader tariff wave in what Chanintr calls a global trade war, not just a bilateral one.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
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