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Thailand is pushing to avoid a steep 36 percent US tariff set to take effect in July, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Tuesday. The current 10 percent rate is protected by a moratorium soon to expire.

Speaking at a Thai-US investment forum, Pichai said Thailand has proposed measures to reduce the trade imbalance, including improved market access for US goods, stricter transshipment controls, and Thai investments to create US jobs, Reuters reported.

He estimated the plan could cut the US trade deficit by up to $15bn and emphasized growing cooperation in green energy, biotech, and food sectors.

The US is Thailand’s top export market, accounting for $55bn in trade last year. Washington reported a $45.6bn deficit with Thailand, as stated by Reuters.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying peace efforts in Ukraine and called for stricter EU sanctions, especially targeting Russian energy exports.

Pistorius said Russia’s continued attacks show it is not serious about negotiations and is using diplomacy to buy time, Reuters reported.

Following Putin’s recent call with US President Donald Trump, EU leaders agreed to increase pressure on Moscow if it refuses an unconditional ceasefire.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called Putin's stance hypocritical, while EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas urged the United States to join the EU in taking greater action. She pointed out that Ukraine had already accepted a cease-fire agreement over 60 days ago, which Russia refused, according to Reuters.

The Russia-China Forum began Monday in Khabarovsk, gathering over 3,000 participants to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

Dmitry Demeshin, Governor of Russia’s Khabarovsk Territory, highlighted growing collaboration with China in industry, energy, and transportation, describing it as a “bridge of trust and shared prosperity”, Xinhua reported.

Chinese Consul General Jiang Xiaoyang noted Khabarovsk’s key role in regional cooperation.

The forum includes talks on joint projects, such as the development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island, and aims to expand trade, investment, and business ties between the two nations, according to Xinhua.

Thailand and Indonesia have officially upgraded their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Bangkok — the first by an Indonesian leader in two decades, according to Xinhua.

President Prabowo and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra launched a leaders consultation mechanism to deepen cooperation in key areas.

They agreed to intensify joint efforts against transnational crimes, including online scams, human and drug trafficking, and to explore defense industry collaboration and joint military exercises.

Thailand will host the first Joint Trade Committee meeting to boost trade and reduce barriers, Xinhua reported.

A health cooperation MoU was also signed.