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Thailand to seek talks with US on trade privileges loss

Posted October 28, 2019 7:00 am

The Associated Press

NONTHABURI, Thailand (AP) - Officials say Thailand plans to seek talks with the United States on a decision to end preferential trade privileges on a range of Thai exports including seafood.

Senior Thai Commerce Ministry Keerati Rushchano said Monday that his office has been warning exporters that the U.S. might withdraw the duty-free status for some products.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced Friday it was suspending $1.3 billion in trade preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System of Preferences because of its failure to adequately protect worker rights.

Keerati and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said that Thailand will try to negotiate the issue before it takes effect in April.

Thailand has faced complaints for years over labor issues, particularly in its fisheries industry.

Senior Thai Commerce Ministry Keerati Rushchano talks to the media during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, in Nonthaburi province. Monday, Oct. 28, 2019. Thai officials have said that plans by the United States to end preferential trade privileges on a range of imports from Thailand were not unexpected, and would seek talks with Washington on the matter. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The Associated Press

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