Supachai pushes ART deal for US tax relief before Section 301 clarification

Post Today•Economy•2d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Supachai pushes for a reciprocal trade agreement with the US to mitigate tax risks and improve economic ties.

•Thai Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suchamanon met with US trade representatives on May 4, 2026 (US time) to discuss a reciprocal trade agreement (ART).
•The goal is to build economic confidence, reduce US trade pressure, and increase Thai investment in sectors like agriculture and energy.
•Thailand will also clarify issues related to Section 301 investigations with the US Trade Representative's office.
•In 2025, the US was Thailand's second-largest trading partner, with a total trade value of $93.65 billion.

Overview

•On May 4, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Suchamanon held discussions with US trade representatives Jamieson Greer and Rick Switzer in the US.
•The discussions aimed to accelerate the negotiation of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) in order to build economic confidence, reduce pressure from US trade measures, and foster economic cooperation.
•Supachai Suchamanon stated that the discussions reflected mutual confidence and intention between Thailand and the US to strengthen economic relations tangibly.
•Thailand confirmed its readiness and presented plans for Thai private sector investment expansion in the US, receiving a positive response from the US.
•During her visit to the US, Supachai Suchamanon also met with US Senator Tammy Duckworth to discuss economic cooperation and supply chain enhancement opportunities.
•The Ministry of Commerce plans to send a Thai delegation to clarify and answer questions regarding the Section 301 investigation at the US Trade Representative's office between May 13-14, 2026.
•In 2025, the US was Thailand's second-largest trading partner with a total trade value of $93,651.36 million.
•Thailand maintained a trade surplus of $51,361.41 million with the US in 2025.

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Key Quotes

Supachai Suchamanon

"This discussion reflects mutual confidence and intention between Thailand and the US to strengthen economic relations tangibly. Thailand is ready to work closely with the US to ensure the reciprocal trade agreement negotiations yield balanced and sustainable long-term mutual benefits."

การหารือครั้งนี้ สะท้อนถึงความเชื่อมั่นและความตั้งใจร่วมกันของไทยและสหรัฐฯ ในการยกระดับความสัมพันธ์ทางเศรษฐกิจให้แน่นแฟ้นและเป็นรูปธรรมมากขึ้น โดยไทยพร้อมทำงานร่วมกับสหรัฐฯ อย่างใกล้ชิด เพื่อให้การเจรจาความตกลงการค้าต่างตอบแทนก่อให้เกิดประโยชน์ร่วมกันอย่างสมดุลและยั่งยืนในระยะยาว

Key Entities

Person

Supachai Suchamanon(ศุภจี สุธรรมพันธุ์)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand who led discussions with US trade representatives.

Jamieson Greer

US Trade Representative who participated in discussions with Thai officials.

Rick Switzer

Deputy US Trade Representative who participated in discussions with Thai officials.

Tammy Duckworthℹ️

US Senator with whom Supachai Suchamanon discussed economic cooperation and supply chain enhancement.

Law

Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)(Agreement on Reciprocal Trade : ART)

A trade agreement under negotiation between Thailand and the United States aimed at fostering economic confidence and reducing trade pressures.

Section 301(มาตรา 301)ℹ️

A US trade law under which Thailand is scheduled to clarify its trade and production structures.

Place

United States(สหรัฐอเมริกา)ℹ️

The country with which Thailand is negotiating a trade agreement and facing trade investigations.

Thailand(ไทย)ℹ️

The country engaged in trade negotiations and discussions with the United States.