FTI Urges Swift Conclusion of Thailand-US ART Trade Deal

MGR Online•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Federation of Thai Industries supports the Thai government's efforts to expedite the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States.

•The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) urges the acceleration of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) negotiations with the United States.
•Thai and US delegations are scheduled to discuss the matter between August 27 and September 1, 2026.
•The United States was Thailand's top export market in the first six months of 2026, accounting for 24% of total exports.
•The FTI suggests the ART should be a framework for an economic partnership rather than just a tax exchange.

•Pimjai Lee-issaranukul, Chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), supports the government's efforts to quickly conclude the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States.
•Discussions between Thai and US delegations are scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 1, 2026.
•In the first six months of 2026, exports to the United States totaled 47,144.6 million US dollars, a 41.1% increase from the previous year.
•The United States accounts for 24.0% of Thailand's total export value, covering sectors such as computers, electronics, rubber products, and automotive parts.
•The FTI states that at least 30% of Thailand's trade surplus with the United States comes from US companies using Thailand as a production base.
•Thailand has expressed readiness to increase imports of US goods in sectors with insufficient domestic production, such as energy, aircraft, and high-tech equipment.
•The FTI advises that increasing imports must align with actual demand and avoid undue impact on domestic farmers, SMEs, and producers.
•A balanced ART agreement is expected to protect Thai export markets and create new opportunities for US companies and Thai entrepreneurs to build future supply chains.

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Federation of Thai Industries(ส.อ.ท.)ℹ️

An organization supporting the government's effort to expedite the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States.

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️

The ministry expected by the FTI to drive negotiations toward a balanced and fair agreement.

Pimjai Lee-issaranukul(นางพิมพ์ใจ ลี้อิสสระนุกูล)

The Chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries.

United States(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️

Thailand's number one export market as of the first six months of 2026.

Thailand(ไทย)ℹ️

The country negotiating the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States.

Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

A trade agreement being negotiated between Thailand and the United States.