BANGKOK — The U.S. has increased import tariffs on aluminum by 15%, effective March 12, 2025. The Ministry of Commerce is compiling information for the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group to determine negotiation strategies.
A report from the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, on March 14 stated that President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase import tariffs on steel and aluminum products from all countries under a global tariff framework.
This action falls under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and is based on national security concerns. The tariff on aluminum and aluminum products from Thailand and other countries was increased from 10% to 25% effective March 12, 2025.
Meanwhile, the import duty on steel and steel products from Thailand remains unchanged at 25%. However, the duty has been extended to all countries from March 12 instead of just selected countries.
According to reports, the Department of Foreign Trade has been in close discussions with aluminum manufacturers and exporters regarding the impact of this tariff increase and potential solutions. The department has summarized its findings and submitted them to the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group, which is chaired by Wuttikrai Leeviraphan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce.
“The working group will analyze this information, coordinate with the relevant government agencies and develop negotiation strategies. It will also work with the private sector to align their actions with government policies and measures,” the report states.
The tariff increase will have a significant impact on Thai aluminum producers, as the US is Thailand’s second largest export market and accounts for about 15% of Thailand’s total aluminum exports.
In 2024, Thailand exported aluminum products worth 16.998 billion baht ($505 million) to the U.S., reflecting a 65.53% growth.
In January 2025 alone, Thailand’s aluminum exports to the US amounted to 1.423 billion baht ($42.3 million), an increase of 85.67% compared to the same period in 2024. Major exports include aluminum foil and thin aluminum sheets.
On March 13, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), which includes representatives from the following organizations: The Federation of Thai Industries, The Thai Chamber of Commerce, and The Thai Bankers’ Association.
The meeting aimed to evaluate the impact of U.S. economic policies on Thailand. Several ministers and senior officials also attended the discussion.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand remains a key trade partner of the United States. Given the direction of U.S. trade policies, the Thai government had already established the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group in January to prepare for such developments.
She also assured that the government is monitoring the situation closely and adapting its policy accordingly. She expressed confidence that the Thai private sector, with its expertise, can play a crucial role in helping the government develop strategies to address the challenges posed by the US trade measures.
The government is working on various solutions, including: Trade and investment measures, improving standards for agricultural products, and utilizing technology and innovation to increase competitiveness.
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