BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and the European Union are nearing completion of negotiations on their free trade agreement, with most provisions largely settled and remaining talks focused on market access and unresolved policy issues. Both sides are working toward concluding negotiations by the end of 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun reported that the 10th round of negotiations, held in Phuket from September 28 to October 6, made progress on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, rules of origin, energy and raw materials, and other provisions. Market access discussions also advanced in trade in goods, services, and investment, and government procurement.
The remaining negotiations will seek to expand trade and investment opportunities while taking into account sensitive products, business sectors, and industry readiness on both sides. Thailand is coordinating its positions among relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the final agreement balances greater market access with potential effects on domestic sectors. The EU was Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade valued at 45.03 billion US dollars, up 3.44% from 2024. Thailand exported 26.45 billion dollars worth of goods to the EU and imported 18.58 billion dollars, resulting in a trade surplus of about 7.86 billion dollars. (NNT)
