Bangkok Post - 07 May 2026
Trade officials meet in bid to finalise US-Thai agreement
The commerce minister has held talks with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) in a bid to conclude negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement to ease tariff pressures.
After meeting with USTR Jamieson Greer and deputy USTR Rick Switzer, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the talks were constructive, highlighting a mutual commitment to expedite negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
She said the goal is to achieve tangible progress and reach a conclusion as soon as possible to strengthen economic and investment confidence, as well as reduce pressure from potential US trade measures against Thailand.
The US prioritises rebalancing trade and has created opportunities for Thai businesses to invest in sectors of mutual interest, such as processed agricultural products and energy, noted Mrs Suphajee.
Thailand plans to increase imports from the US in sectors where Thailand has demand, but cannot produce domestically, she said, adding that Thailand used this opportunity to push important issues, particularly tariff exemptions for Thai products that cannot be produced domestically in the US.
The US expressed willingness to consider these requests, reflecting flexibility and a readiness to find mutually beneficial solutions, said Mrs Suphajee.
Regarding the ART negotiations, she said Thailand prioritises practical and viable outcomes, while the US expressed a readiness to discuss clear timelines and detailed provisions to ensure effective implementation by Thailand.
In addition, the US indicated an interest in increasing the share of American raw materials used in supply chains, said Mrs Suphajee.
"Both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations, with the aim of swiftly concluding key elements of the agreement, reaffirming Thailand's position as a strategic trading partner of the US and reducing the risk of future tariff measures," she said.
The Commerce Ministry plans to send a Thai delegation to the US on May 13-14 to provide clarification and respond to inquiries from the USTR regarding a Section 301 investigation, aiming to build a clearer understanding of Thailand's trade and production structure.
During the US visit, Mrs Suphajee also met with Senator Tammy Duckworth to discuss economic cooperation, investment, and opportunities to strengthen supply chains between the two countries.
The US proposed collaboration in high-potential sectors such as clean energy, carbon reduction technologies, small modular nuclear energy, food innovation, public health collaboration, and infant food industries -- areas of strong interest to Thai businesses.
