Thailand
Trade Policy Review: Thailand 2011
“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat a report by the government and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member’s major exports/imports main export destinations origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Thailand.
Trade Policy Review: Thailand 2020
“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat a report by the government and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member’s major exports/imports main export destinations origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Thailand.
Report by Thailand
Since its previous trade policy review in 2007 the Thai economy has thriven through challenged and crisis and expanded moderately at the annualized rate at 4.5%. Overall Thailand’s macroeconomic fundamentals have been strong. Despite some risks of political instability and external uncertainties the economy has performed well as a result of significant growth in investment as well as strong domestic and external demands in particular from private consumption which continues to grow following higher income and low unemployment rate.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Mario Matusat the Trade Policy Review of Thailand 28 & 30 November 2011
The sixth review of Thailand’s trade policies has taken place against the backdrop of recent severe flooding in the country that has led to the deaths of hundreds of people and caused severe damage to the Kingdom’s infrastructure and production valued at over 2.3% of GDP. Indeed the damage caused by the flooding was felt beyond Thailand’s borders as it disrupted international supply chains for both industrial and agricultural goods. I would also like to take this opportunity to add my appreciation to the Thai delegation for providing replies to the questions despite the disruptions caused by the flooding.
Preface
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was first established on a trial basis by the GATT CONTRACTING PARTIES in April 1989. The Mechanism became a permanent feature of the World Trade Organization under the Marrakesh Agreement which established the WTO in January 1995.
Thailand
The politicization of trade policy-making in Thailand is arguably more pronounced than elsewhere in the world including at the global level where multilateral trade negotiations (MTNs) under the World Trade Organization (WTO) are currently stalled. Indeed the Thai case of trade policy quagmire is quite dramatic for having adversely impinged on the country’s body politic to the extent that a popularly elected government was ousted in a military coup and an anti-free trade agreement (FTA) bias worked its way into a new military-organized constitution contributing to a prolonged and protracted political crisis. That Thai trade policy has become increasingly politicized over the first decade of the twenty-first century is attributable to a number of dynamics some in parallel to trade policy experiences in the rest of the world others more specific to domestic circumstances.
Report by the WTO Secretariat
For over 30 years Thailand has pursued a policy of export-led development that has successfully turned the county into a major exporter of industrial goods and led to rapid economic growth particularly in the 1990s. Growth slowed in the 2000s - due partly to lower investment growth and infrastructure bottlenecks - but still remained strong at an average of 5.7% between 2003 and 2006. Although the 2008 global financial crises led to a fall in GDP in 2009 growth picked up again in 2010 when it reached 7.8%. Between 2007 and 2010 GDP per capita rose from US$3740 to US$4737 and Thailand has been able to reduce poverty and meet its Millennium Development Goals although significant income and regional disparities remain.
Concluding remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of Thailand at the Trade Policy Review of the United States, 17 and 19 December 2018
This fourteenth Trade Policy Review of the United States has once again allowed Members to take a close look at the economic trade and investment policies of the world’s single largest trader and a key Member of the WTO. I would like to thank H.E. Ambassador Dennis C. Shea and his dedicated team for their forthright and active engagement. My gratitude also goes to our discussant Ambassador Frances Lisson for her thoughtful comments and remarks and last but not least to the 66 delegations that took the floor during these two days.
The domestic dynamics of preferential services liberalization: The experience of Australia and Thailand
Both Australia and Thailand have keenly pursued bilateral preferential trading agreements in recent years. These have covered services though to varying degrees. Services domestically important and in some areas sensitive to both economies need to be liberalized as an important means of improving overall productivity and economic performance.
Introduction
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was first established on a trial basis by the GATT contracting parties in April 1989. The Mechanism became a permanent feature of the World Trade Organization under the Marrakesh Agreement which established the WTO in January 1995.
Union européenne - Mesures affectant les concessions tarifaires concernant certains produits à base de viande de volaille
Le 28 mars 2017 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans le cadre de la procédure engagée par la Chine au sujet de l’affaire “Union européenne — Mesures affectant les concessions tarifaires concernant certains produits à base de viande de volaille”.
Inde - Mesures liées aux exportations
Le 31 octobre 2019 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner l’affaire introduite par les États-Unis “Inde — Mesures liées aux exportations” (DS541).
Tailandia - Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas - Recurso 2
El 12 de julio de 2019 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial sobre el cumplimiento relativo al asunto planteado por Filipinas: “Tailandia — Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas — Segundo recurso de Filipinas al párrafo 5 del artículo 21 del ESD” (DS371).
Thaïlande - Mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines
Le 15 novembre 2010 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner la plainte des Philippines contre la Thaïlande qui concernait des mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines (DS371).
United States - Anti-Dumping Measures on Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from Thailand
On 26 November 2008 Thailand requested consultations with the United States with respect to the application by the United States of the practice known as “zeroing” of negative dumping margins in the United States' determination of the margins of dumping in its anti-dumping investigation of Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from Thailand. Specifically Thailand requests consultations concerning the USDOC's use in the Final Determination and Amended Final Determination of the practice of “zeroing” negative anti-dumping margins in calculating overall weighted-average margins of dumping in this investigation. Thailand alleges that the effect of this practice was to create artificially margins of dumping where none would otherwise have been found or at a minimum to inflate margins of dumping. Thailand considers the USDOC's use of this practice of “zeroing” in the Final Determination the Amended Final Determination and the Order to be inconsistent with the obligations of the United States under Article VI of the GATT 1994 and in particular under Article 2.4.2 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
Thailand - Customs and fiscal measures on cigarettes from the Philippines - Recourse 2
On 12 July 2019 the WTO circulated the panel report in the compliance case initiated by the Philippines in “Thailand — Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines — Second Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the Philippines” (DS371).
United States - Import Prohibition of Certain Shrimp and Shrimp Products - Recourse 1
On 8 October 1996 India Malaysia Pakistan and Thailand requested consultations with the United States concerning a ban on importation of shrimp and shrimp products from these complainants imposed by the US under Section 609 of US Public Law 101-162. Violations of Articles I XI and XIII of the GATT 1994 as well nullification and impairment of benefits were alleged.
India - Export Related Measures
On 31 October 2019 the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by the United States in “India — Export Related Measures” (DS541).
United States - Import Prohibition of Certain Shrimp and Shrimp Products - Recourse 1
On 8 October 1996 India Malaysia Pakistan and Thailand requested consultations with the United States concerning a ban on importation of shrimp and shrimp products from these complainants imposed by the US under Section 609 of US Public Law 101-162. Violations of Articles I XI and XIII of the GATT 1994 as well nullification and impairment of benefits were alleged.
Australie - Mesures antidumping visant le papier pour copie A4
Le 4 décembre 2019 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Australie - Mesures antidumping visant le papier pour copie A4” (DS529) introduite par l’Indonésie.
India - Medidas relacionadas con la exportación
El 31 de octubre de 2019 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial enncargado de examinar el asunto “India — Medidas relacionadas con la exportación” (DS541) planteado por los Estados Unidos.
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 9 juin 2020 l’Organe d’appel a remis ses rapports dans les procédures engagées par le Honduras et la République dominicaine dans l’affaire “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435 et DS441).
United States - Measures Relating to Shrimp from Thailand
On 24 April 2006 Thailand requested consultations with the United States concerning anti-dumping measures on imports of frozen warmwater shrimp. Thailand requests consultations on the United States’ application in the Preliminary Final and Amended Final Determinations of the practice known as “zeroing” negative dumping margins the effect of which was to artificially create margins of dumping and the consequent imposition of definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of certain frozen warmwater shrimp from Thailand.
United States - Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000
On 21 December 2000 and 21 May 2001 respectively the complainants requested consultations with the US concerning the amendment to the Tariff Act of 1930 signed on 28 October 2000 with the title of “Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000” (the “Act”) usually referred to as “the Byrd Amendment”. According to the complainants the Act is inconsistent with the obligations of the United States under several provisions of the GATT the AD Agreement the SCM Agreement and the WTO Agreement. In particular the Act is alleged to be inconsistent with the obligations of the United States under: (i) Article 18.1 of the ADA in conjunction with Article VI:2 of the GATT and Article 1 of the ADA; (ii) Article 32.1 of the SCM Agreement in conjunction with Article VI:3 of the GATT and Articles 4.10 7.9 and 10 of the SCM Agreement; (iii) Article X(3)(a) of the GATT; (iv) Article 5.4 of the ADA and Article 11.4 of the SCM Agreement; (v) Article 8 of the ADA and Article 18 of the SCM Agreement; (vi) Article 5 of the SCM Agreement; and (vii) Article XVI:4 of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO Article 18.4 of the ADA and Article 32.5 of the SCM Agreement.
Mexico - Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United State
On 11 July 2019 the WTO circulated two panel report in the cases brought by the United States in “Canada — Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States” (DS557) and “Mexico — Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States” (DS560).
Mexique - Droits additionnels visant certains produits en provenance des États-Unis
Le 11 juillet 2019 l’OMC a distribué deux rapports de groupes spéciaux concernant les affaires “Canada — Droits additionnels visant certains produits en provenance des États-Unis” (DS557) et “Mexique — Droits additionnels visant certains produits en provenance des États-Unis” (DS560) introduites par les États-Unis.
Australia - Anti-Dumping Measures on A4 Copy Paper
On 4 December 2019 the WTO circulated the dispute panel report in the case brought by Indonesia in “Australia - Anti-Dumping Measures On A4 Copy Paper” (DS529).
Communautés européennes - Classification douanière des morceaux de poulet désossés et congelés
Le 12 septembre 2005 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Classification douanière des morceaux de poulet désossés et congelés”.
Thaïlande - Droits antidumping sur les profilés en fer ou en aciers non alliés et les poutres en H en provenance de Pologne
Le 28 septembre 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Thaïlande - Droits antidumping sur les profilés en fer ou en aciers non alliés et les poutres en H en provenance de Pologne”.
États-Unis - Loi de 2000 sur la compensation pour continuation du dumping et maintien de la subvention
Le 16 septembre 2002 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Loi de 2000 sur la compensation pour continuation du dumping et maintien de la subvention”.
Estados Unidos - Ley de compensaciónpor continuación del dumping o mantenimiento de las subvencionesde 2000
El 16 de enero de 2003 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Ley de compensaciónpor continuación del dumping o mantenimiento de las subvencionesde 2000”.
États-Unis - Mesures antidumping visant les crevettes en provenance de Thaïlande
L’OMC a publié le 29 février 2008 les rapports des groupes spéciaux sur les plaintes déposées par la Thaïlande et l’Inde respectivement dans les affaires “Etats-Unis — Mesures antidumping visant les crevettes en provenance de Thaïlande” (DS343) et “Etats-Unis — Directive sur les cautions en douane pour les marchandises assujetties à des droits antidumping/compensateurs” (DS345).
États-Unis - Certaines mesures visant les produits en acier et en aluminium
Le 11 juillet 2019 l’OMC a distribué deux rapports du Groupe spécial chargé des affaires “États-Unis — Certaines mesures visant les produits en acier et en aluminium” (DS550) et “États-Unis — Certaines mesures visant les produits en acier et en aliminium” (DS551) introduites par le Canada et le Mexique respectivement.
European Union - Measures Affecting Tariff Concessions on Certain Poultry Meat Products
On 28 March 2017 the WTO issued the panel report in the case brought by China in “European Union - Measures Affecting Tariff Concessions on Certain Poultry Meat Products”.
Thailand - Anti-Dumping Duties on Angles, Shapes and Sections of Iron or Non-Alloy Steel and H-Beams from Poland
On 6 April 1998 Poland requested consultations with Thailand concerning the imposition of final anti-dumping duties on imports of angles shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel and H-beams. Poland asserted that provisional anti-dumping duties were imposed by Thailand on 27 December 1996 and a final anti-dumping duty of 27.78% of CIF value for these products produced or exported by any Polish producer or exporter was imposed on 26 May 1997. Poland further asserted that Thailand refused two requests by Poland for disclosure of findings. Poland contended that these actions by Thailand violate Articles 2 3 5 and 6 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
Communautés européennes - Classification douanière des morceaux de poulet désossés et congelés
Le 30 mai 2005 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Classification douanière des morceaux de poulet désossés et congelés”.
European Communities - Export Subsidies on Sugar - Complaint by Thailand
On 27 September 2002 Australia and Brazil requested consultations with the European Communities concerning the export subsidies provided by the EC in the framework of its Common Organisation of the Market for the sugar sector. The requests concerned Council Regulation (EC) No. 1260/2001 of 19 June 2001 on the EC’s common organization of the markets in the sugar sector and all other legislation regulations administrative policies and other instruments relating to the EC regime for sugar and sugar containing products including the rules adopted pursuant to the procedure referred to in Article 42(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1260/2001 and any other provision related thereto. On 14 March 2003 Thailand requested consultations with the European Communities on the same matter.
États-Unis - Mesures antidumping et mesures compensatoires visant les gros lave linge à usage domestique en provenance de Corée
Le 13 avril 2017 un arbitre a publié sa décision au sujet du “délai raisonnable” pour la mise en oeuvre des recommandations et décisions de l’Organe de règlement des différends (ORD) dans l’affaire “États-Unis — Mesures antidumping et mesures compensatoires visant les gros lave-linge à usage domestique en provenance de Corée” (WT/DS464). L’arbitre a déterminé que le “délai raisonnable” imparti aux États-Unis pour mettre en oeuvre les recommandations et décisions de l’ORD dans ce différend serait de 15 mois à compter de l’adoption des rapports du Groupe spécial et de l’Organe d’appel dans cette affaire. Le délai résonnable viendra donc à expiration le 26 décembre 2017.
Tailandia - Derechos antidumping sobre los perfiles de hierro y acero sin alear y vigas doble T procedentes de Polonia
El 28 de septiembre de 2000 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Tailandia - Derechos antidumping sobre los perfiles de hierro y acero sin alear y vigas doble T procedentes de Polonia”.
États-Unis - Directive sur les cautions en douane pour les marchandises assujetties à des droits antidumping/compensateurs
L’Organe d’appel a publié le 16 juillet 2008 son rapport concernant les rapports des groupes spéciaux dans les affaires “États-Unis — Mesures antidumping visant les crevettes en provenance de Thaïlande” (DS343) et “États-Unis — Directive sur les cautions en douane pour les marchandises assujetties à des droits antidumping/compensateurs” (DS345). Ces rapports de groupes spéciaux avaient examiné des plaintes déposées par la Thaïlande et l’Inde respectivement.
United States - Certain Measures on Steel and Aluminium Products
On 11 July 2019 the WTO circulated two panel report in the cases brought by Canada and Mexico in “United States — Certain Measures on Steel and Aluminium Products” (DS550) and “United States — Certain Measures on Steel and Aluminium Products” (DS551).
Estados Unidos - Directiva sobre fianzas aduaneras para determinadas mercancías sujetas a derechos antidumping y compensatorios
El 16 de julio de 2008 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público su informe relativo a los informes de los Grupos Especiales encargados de los asuntos “Estados Unidos — Medidas relativas a los camarones procedentes de Tailandia” (DS343) y “Estados Unidos — Directiva sobre fianzas aduaneras para determinadas mercancías sujetas a derechos antidumping y compensatorios” (DS345). Estos Grupos Especiales examinaron reclamaciones presentadas por Tailandia y la India respectivamente.
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 28 juin 2014 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial dans les affaires introduites par le Honduras la République dominicaine Cuba et l’Indonésie “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435 DS441 DS458 et DS467)
Comunidades Europeas - Clasificación aduanera de los trozos de pollo deshuesados congelados
El 12 de septiembre de 2005 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Clasificación aduanera de los trozos de pollo deshuesados congelados”.