The government has clarified that the adjustment of import tariffs on Thai goods under Section 301 of the United States is an increase from the original 10 percent to 12.5 percent, or a net rise of just 2.5 percentage points, not a new levy of 12.5 percent on the full amount. This rate is on par with key competitors such as China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and therefore does not significantly affect competitiveness. In addition, more than 2,120 Thai export items are exempt from the tariff, accounting for over half of the total export value to the US, covering major categories like integrated circuits, natural rubber, and tapioca starch. The government is accelerating negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, or ART, to protect exporters in the long term, while closely monitoring the US excess production capacity investigation process.