On October 6, the Government of Thailand and the European Union (EU) concluded their 10th round of free trade agreement negotiations in Phuket, making significant progress on agreement provisions while continuing discussions on market access and outstanding policy issues. Both sides continue to aim to conclude negotiations in 2026, with remaining decisions covering tariff reduction schedules, sensitive products, services, investment, and government procurement. Food and agricultural market access remains the most sensitive issue, involving sanitary and phytosanitary requirements and rules of origin, while sustainability commitments on labor, environment, and climate are an EU priority. On October 23, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow toldReuters that the talks were in their final stage and could conclude by year-end if there is mutual political will.
Separately, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated on October 7 that Thailand was at the “last paragraph” of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States, citing a letter from President Donald Trump confirming that both sides were “at the final stage” and expecting signing during his next visit to Asia. President Trump is expected to travel to the region in November for the ASEAN Summit in Manila and the APEC summit in Shenzhen. Thai exports to the United States currently face a 12.5% tariff related to forced-labor measures, with a separate overcapacity investigation pending. For U.S. businesses, the outcomes of both negotiations will be relevant to market access, sourcing decisions, and investment planning in Thailand.
