Officials say Thailand plans to seek talks with the United States on a decision to end preferential trade privileges on a range of Thai exports including seafood.
Senior Thai Commerce Ministry Keerati Rushchano said Monday that his office has been warning exporters that the U.S. might withdraw the duty-free status for some products.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced Friday it was suspending $1.3 billion in trade preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System of Preferences because of its failure to adequately protect worker rights.
Keerati and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said that Thailand will try to negotiate the issue before it takes effect in April.
Thailand has faced complaints for years over labor issues, particularly in its fisheries industry.