Thailand’s Strategic Adaptation to U.S. Trade Policy Changes

As President Donald J. Trump returns to the White House with a renewed emphasis on tariffs and bilateral deal-making, Thailand is recalibrating its trade and investment strategy to navigate a more volatile global landscape. Drawing lessons from the 2018–2019 U.S.–China trade tensions, Thai policymakers are deploying a multi-pronged approach to safeguard economic resilience and seize emerging opportunities.

Building Economic Buffers

Thailand’s central bank and finance ministry have joined forces to stabilize the baht and ensure liquidity for exporters facing potential tariff shocks. Internal demand is being strengthened to cushion against external downturns, while credit access for trade-related sectors is being closely monitored. The authorities are also exploring bilateral trade agreements to mitigate the impact of global economic uncertainties. Additionally, measures are being introduced to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in export-driven industries, ensuring they remain competitive in international markets. Efforts to promote foreign investment are being intensified, with incentives aimed at sectors that can bolster long-term economic resilience.