Thailand's Industrial Sentiment Falls Amid US Tariff Concerns

Thailand's industrial sentiment declined in March for the first time in three months, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) citing concerns over U.S. tariffs as a key factor. The FTI's sentiment index fell to 91.8 in March from 93.4 in February, and a separate index projecting future sentiment also dropped. Thailand, among the Southeast Asian countries most affected by U.S. President Donald Trump's 36% tariff, has benefited from a temporary 90-day suspension of these tariffs, which offers more time for preparation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that Thai-U.S. trade talks scheduled for April 23 have been postponed without explanation. The U.S. remains Thailand’s largest export market, accounting for 18.3% of Thailand’s exports last year, while the U.S. reported a significant trade deficit with Thailand. The suspension of tariffs and the outcome of future negotiations are seen as crucial for Thailand’s export-driven economy.