Pichai said the trade talks with the US are important and need to move forward professionally, without regard for any political changes in Thailand, believing that Thailand has clear principles, guidelines and procedures in place.

Imports from the US are predicted to rise sharply in the coming months as large Vietnamese enterprises are accelerating purchases from the North American market in efforts to balance bilateral trade.

Vietnam is ready to negotiate the tariff issue with the US for the benefit of both peoples and business communities, aiming for balanced and sustainable trade, PM Pham Minh Chinh told a delegation from the US Congress’s US-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

He said the negotiations will be held virtually, led by Deputy Secretary-General (trade) MITI, Mastura Ahmad Mustafa as Malaysia’s chief negotiator, alongside the Assistant US Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Sarah Ellerman.

Thailand is ready to support ASEAN’s collective approach in negotiating with the US over its reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries in the region, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on April 17.