Thailand has reached agreement in principle in tariff negotiations with the United States and is now checking technical details and treaty language, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said on 28 September.
Speaking at Government House, Suphajee said officials were working to complete the process before the US announces measures under Section 301. She said she had also discussed the matter with the US Trade Representative (USTR) during United Nations Assembly meetings in Washington DC, describing the talks as smooth.
Thailand keeps talking with both powers
Asked about signs of easing US-China trade tensions after discussions between the two countries' leaders, Suphajee said Thailand would continue trade negotiations with both major powers for mutual benefit.
She also addressed concerns about goods being falsely claimed as Thai exports, saying Thailand already has measures in place to regulate the issue.
The minister said the changing trade environment was an opportunity for Thailand to raise the proportion of locally produced raw materials and components used in manufacturing, known as local content. She said this would directly benefit Thai businesses.
Phuket hosts latest EU trade talks
Suphajee also said the 10th round of Thailand-European Union free trade agreement negotiations began in Phuket on 28 September, with Thailand hosting the talks.
The meetings are scheduled to run until 6 October. Thailand is seeking to settle the remaining provisions and reach an agreement by the end of this year, she said.
About one-third of the overall agreement remains to be concluded in this round, according to Suphajee, who said she would travel to join the meeting the following day.
An eventual Thailand-EU FTA could matter to European businesses and residents with commercial interests in the country, as trade agreements can affect rules and costs for goods moving between Thailand and the EU. The final terms remain under negotiation.
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29 September 2026
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