Thai exporters fear one of their main products, rice, could be hit hard by US tariffs. Thailand was set to get hit with a 36% tariff before its implementation was put on hold for 90 days. Exporters hope the Thai government will negotiate for a lower tariff rate.



Rice exporter Wonnapob has been expanding its business, especially to the United States, catering to high demand from the country's increasing number of Asian residents.



Its rice exports to the US totaled more than five million dollars last year, accounting for about 10% of all exports.



Now it worries about the impact from tariffs on its US sales.



Wonnapob CEO Thunyawan Pattapol says she didn't expect tariffs to be 36 percent, because Thailand has friendly relations with the US. She says she doesn't know what will happen tomorrow, so exporters must be prepared, and shouldn't panic.



The Thai government plans to send the country's deputy prime minister to the US soon to begin tariff negotiations.