Thailand Races to Finalize US Trade Deal Before Section 301 Ruling
Thailand is racing to finalize a trade agreement with the United States before a tariff investigation concludes, with core terms already settled and negotiations focused on technical details. The Commerce Minister also launched EU trade tal
At Government House on September 28, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee outlined progress in trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States. She said the core agreement was finalized in the previous round and negotiations are now focused on technical details requiring careful review and coordination between both parties. Discussions remain on track without major obstacles.
During the UN General Assembly, Suphajee met with the US Trade Representative (USTR) and reported smooth, productive talks with no significant hitches. Her team aims to complete and finalize the agreement before the US announces its findings on the Section 301 investigation, which concerns tariffs, excess production capacity, and forced labor issues.
On the Thailand-EU free trade front, the 10th round of negotiations launched today in Phuket, with Thailand as host. The talks run through October 6 and target closing approximately one-third of the remaining agreement to reach a full deal by year-end. Suphajee will join the talks on September 29.
When asked whether Thailand might benefit from the easing of US-China trade tensions, Suphajee said Thailand must pursue trade with both countries on terms offering mutual benefit. Both countries are concerned about duty-circumventing goods, an area where Thailand has safeguards in place. If the two powers reach accord, it could boost Thai exporters using Thai-origin content.
