Thailand faces deadline to erspond to U.S. Section 301 trade investigation

Monday 23 March 2026 - 07:00

Thailand has been given until April 15 to submit its response to a United States trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, according to the country’s commerce ministry.

Officials warned that failure to provide a detailed explanation could expose Thai exports to additional tariffs. The investigation is part of a broader review targeting 16 countries, focusing on trade practices and market conditions.

The probe into Thailand examines concerns over excess production capacity in several industries, including automotive manufacturing, machinery parts, fisheries, animal feed, and textiles. A separate review also addresses the import of goods potentially linked to forced labor, though no specific country has been identified in that case.

Thailand and the United States remain in ongoing discussions following earlier negotiations on tariff and non-tariff barriers. Thai exports had previously been subject to a 19% tariff, which has since been replaced by a new global tariff framework introduced by Washington.

Meanwhile, Thailand is continuing negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union, with talks reportedly at an advanced stage. Authorities are aiming to finalize the deal within the year as part of a broader strategy to diversify trade partnerships.