Thailand-US ART Trade Negotiations and FTI Proposal

Thansettakij•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

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

•Thai and US representatives are scheduled to discuss trade between August 27 and September 1, 2026.
•The United States was Thailand's top export market in the first six months of 2026, with exports valued at 47,144.6 million USD.
•The Federation of Thai Industries suggests that the ART should focus on trade certainty and balanced supply chains rather than just tax reductions.
•Thailand expresses readiness to increase imports from the US in sectors such as energy, aircraft, and high-tech equipment.

Overview

•Discussions between Thai and US representatives are scheduled for August 27 to September 1, 2026.
•In the first six months of 2026, exports to the United States reached 47,144.6 million USD, a 41.1% increase from the previous year.
•Exports to the United States accounted for 24.0% of Thailand's total export value during the first half of 2026.
•Pimjai Leeissaranukul stated that the Ministry of Commerce should drive negotiations toward a balanced and fair agreement.
•The Federation of Thai Industries believes the ART should aim to create trade certainty and reduce obstacles and risks from trade measures.
•The Federation of Thai Industries notes that at least 30% of Thailand's trade surplus with the United States comes from US companies using Thailand as a production base.
•Thailand is prepared to increase imports of energy, aircraft, high-tech machinery, chemicals, and certain agricultural raw materials from the United States.
•The Federation of Thai Industries cautions that increased imports must meet actual demand and avoid undue impact on Thai farmers, SMEs, and domestic producers.

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Key Entities

Person

Pimjai Leeissaranukul(พิมพ์ใจ ลี้อิสสระนุกูล)

President of the Federation of Thai Industries.

Organization

Federation of Thai Industries(สภาอุตสาหกรรมแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

An organization proposing trade formulas and goals for the ART negotiations.

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️

The Thai government body responsible for driving the trade negotiations.

Place

United States(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️

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

Thailand(ไทย)ℹ️

A country negotiating a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States.

Policy

Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

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