Thailand Sees Progress in US Trade Talks, Hopes for Competitive Rates

Thailand's Commerce Ministry has clarified that negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States are making substantial progress with positive signals, contrary to reports suggesting final tariff rates have been concluded. Commerce Ministry Spokesperson Kornich Nonchui said recent media coverage claiming that Bangkok and Washington had reached a tariff agreement may have caused confusion, and he sought to set the record straight.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammapun met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer on September 1 in Washington, D.C. The talks showed concrete progress, and both sides agreed on core elements of the reciprocal trade agreement. They also authorized their technical negotiating teams to accelerate work on remaining details and outstanding issues.

However, reaching agreement on core elements does not mean the deal is closed or that final tariff rates have been set. The United States is still conducting investigations under Section 301 regarding structural overcapacity in manufacturing. Therefore, the tariff rates that will ultimately apply to Thailand must await clarity from the US Section 301 investigation process.

Kornich said Thailand will pursue negotiations in full to push remaining details toward quick resolution while protecting Thai interests and securing tariff rates that are fair and competitive with regional rivals. The ministry expressed confidence that the progress made will form a solid foundation for strengthening trade and investment relations between Thailand and the United States going forward.