BruneiExporters shrug off new Trump tariffs
The Thai private sector is optimistic that new US tariffs will not have a major impact on Thai exports, while urging the government to expedite trade negotiations to enhance competitiveness.
The boardroom angle on trade
Initial private sector optimism often masks a serious execution gap. While businesses believe they can absorb or bypass new US tariffs, maintaining export momentum requires state-level diplomatic speed that rarely matches the swift pace of foreign trade policy shifts. If the government fails to accelerate trade negotiations quickly, early corporate confidence will fade as margin pressure builds on exporters.
The real operational risk lies in negotiation execution. Trade talks typically drag through bureaucratic channels, requiring long diplomatic cycles to yield binding agreements. To preserve export competitiveness, state negotiators must deliver tangible access before trade flows shift toward regional competitors. The key metric to watch is whether official negotiation schedules match the actual implementation dates of overseas tariffs.
For investment committees, risk models should be built around current tariff realities and verified market access rather than private sector optimism or ongoing government trade talks.