Thailand to form special task force to meet strict US trade rules

By Kitiphong Thaichareon and Thanadech Staporncharnchai

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand will set up a special task force in October to manage millions of certificates of origin expected to be required under new trade rules being negotiated with the United States, a Thai official said, as Washington scrutinises transshipment practices.

Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, have been singled out by Washington for facilitating transshipment to the United States of Chinese goods without adding value, which would face higher tariffs if shipped directly from China.

The United States reduced its tariff on Thai imports to 19%, after initially proposing a 36% levy, but in a global executive order said products suspected of being rerouted to conceal their origin could face additi