Organizer: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

Type/Location: Virtual

Description:

Join the Thailand Studies Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute for a seminar by Wannaphong Durongkaveroj, Associate Professor of Economics at Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand. Dr. Durongkaveroj will assess the impact of the U.S. administration on Thailand’s exports, GDP, and other development outcomes such as employment and poverty.

Following the unexpected “Liberation Day” tariffs announced on 2 April, Thailand and the United States have reached a trade agreement that imposes a 19% tariff on Thai exports. Although this rate is lower than the initial proposal and aligns with tariffs on other Southeast Asian countries, the Thai economy is likely to be more adversely affected for two key reasons. First, Thailand is one of the most trade-dependent economies in the world, with growth and structural transformation heavily reliant on exports. Second, Thailand’s deep participation in global value chains limits its ability to pivot away from the U.S. market.

This webinar will present ex-ante assessments of the impact of upcoming protectionist decisions by the U.S. administration on exports, GDP, and other development outcomes such as employment and poverty. It will also examine two key policy responses: pursuing a free trade agreement with potential partners and implementing a market diversification strategy.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Wannaphong Durongkaveroj is currently an Associate Professor of Economics at Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand. He is also a visiting fellow at the Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. He serves as a consultant to Asian Development Bank, Asian Foundation, and Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce. His research interests and publications cover international trade, poverty, and income inequality. He holds a PhD from the Australian National University.

Registration:

To attend the event online, please register here.