Thailand has 6 months to discuss GSP with US

PHOTO: TNA

Thai authorities still have six months to discuss the US decision to suspend tariff exemptions for Thai exports under its Generalised System of Preferences, according to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The PM says the US has suspended GSP privileges not only for Thailand but other countries too. Thailand has enjoyed GSP privileges for nine years and Washington might think it’s time for a suspension, Prayut said, referring to the US decision to suspend GSP for Thailand starting in April 2020.

TNA reports that, as the US has cited labour issues in as its reason, Prayut says the government will do everything it can to solve the issues.

“Be assured the government will try its best. We respect their rules. It’s useless to panic or blame one another.”

He also noted that the suspension covers 571 Thai export items but in fact Thailand exports only about 300 items to the US.

“Six months remain and Thailand will find ways to negotiate. If we aren’t successful, we will accept it because it is their law. Do not make criticisms that will worsen situation. Relations between Thailand and the US remain good and the US is an important trading partner of Thailand,” the PM said.

SOURCE: TNA