Has Thailand's government been babying its industries with high tariff rates on foreign goods? Or is Thailand just tariff crazy, and looking to earn a few extra million bucks for the government? Let's take a look at Thailand's food and agriculture industry and find out.
Frozen french fries, a product not produced in Thailand, has a 39% tariff. Thailand's average tariff rate is the highest in the ASEAN region. Is this babying the Thai people and industry and discouraging international trade? US fruit growers estimate some $25 million in lost sales due to Thailand's tariff rates; again, a region of the Thai industry that can hardly be considered crucial.
In summary, Thailand's overzealous tariff policies are scaring away foreign trade and failing to promote competition within the Thai industry. Thailand barely qualifies for the limitations set forth by the WTO!
http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2002/2002_NTE_Report/asset_upload_file876_6438.pdf
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
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