Brussels: The 9th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between Thailand and the European Union (EU) has made significant progress, with eight additional issues being resolved. A quick conclusion is hoped for. Supajee revealed that this latest round has brought the total to 15 out of 24 chapters, or approximately two-thirds of the agreement, finalized. Negotiations on the remaining key issues will continue, with the hope of closing the deal soon.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachie Suthamphan revealed the results of the negotiations, which were held in Brussels, Belgium. She stated that the discussions concluded with agreements on four additional chapters: competition and subsidies, state enterprises, dispute settlement, and provisions on agreement administration. Furthermore, agreements were reached on four additional points: the annex on duties related to exports, the annex on import and export monopolies, the automotive annex under the chapter on technical barriers to trade, and the protocol on mutual customs assistance.
Ms. Supajee stated that many issues still under negotiation are nearing conclusion, such as anti-corruption measures and the final provisions of the agreement. Meanwhile, market opening in goods trade, services trade, investment, and government procurement is progressing steadily. Both sides are currently discussing the details of the market opening proposals, marking a crucial phase in the negotiations before the final stages.
The remaining approximately one-third of these issues concern the Thai economy and include agricultural products, industrial products, government procurement, energy and raw material management, digital trade, services and investment, as well as relevant laws and regulations, including intellectual property.
Ms. Supajee highlighted that the Thai negotiating team reported significant progress in this round of negotiations, thanks to political support from high-level discussions on June 24th between Thailand and the European Commissioners for Trade and Economic Security and Agriculture and Food. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerating the completion of the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations and instructed the negotiating team chiefs to develop a joint work plan and closely monitor outstanding issues.
Following this, the Department of International Trade Negotiations will convene a working group meeting to drive the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations, discussing key issues with relevant agencies. Discussions will also be held between rounds at the negotiating team head level, working group level, and ministerial level. The European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security is scheduled to visit Thailand prior to the 10th round of negotiations, which Thailand will host in late September 2026, in order to maximize progress and achieve the mutually agreed-upon conclusion.
The European Union is Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner, after China, the United States, and Japan. By 2025, total trade between Thailand and the EU is projected at US$45,033.47 million, a 3.44% increase from the previous year. Thailand's exports totaled US$26,449.08 million, a 9.27% increase, while imports totaled US$18,584.39 million, a 3.86% decrease. This resulted in a trade surplus of US$7,864.69 million for Thailand.