Thailand Forms Task Force as U.S. Targets Trade Loopholes

Thailand will launch a 50-member task force in October to manage a surge in certificates of origin, expected under new trade rules being negotiated with the U.S., according to Arada Fuangtong of the Department of Foreign Trade. The move comes as Washington intensifies scrutiny of transshipment practices, targeting Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Vietnam for allegedly rerouting Chinese goods without added value. While the U.S. lowered its proposed tariff on Thai imports from 36% to 19%, a global executive order warns that goods suspected of concealing origin could face duties of up to 40%. The Trump administration has yet to define “transshipment,” and talks continue over regional value content rules. Currently, certificates are required only for flagged goods, but the new framework is expected to apply to all U.S.-bound exports, expanding checks on origin, cost, and local content.