The Ministry of Commerce reiterates that Thailand will not stop negotiating US tariffs, insisting they must be concluded this year.

The Ministry of Commerce reiterates that Thailand will not stop negotiating US tariffs, stating that Thailand is fully prepared for negotiations with the USTR. A working group meeting will be held soon to discuss the details of the reciprocal trade agreement, confirming that negotiations must be concluded within the framework of 68.

On November 17, 2568 , Ms. Chotima Iamsawadikul, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce, revealed that Thailand continues to proceed with trade negotiations with the United States. These negotiations remain on track to achieve the original goal of concluding the details of reciprocal tariffs and reciprocal trade agreements by the end of 2568.

"We have been in negotiations with the United States on reciprocal tariffs and reciprocal trade. This priority has been maintained during this administration's tenure, and we have continued to engage in ongoing dialogue with the United States. Based on recent statements from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, we are confident that the United States shares our commitment to our current deadline of finalizing the details of the reciprocal trade agreement by the end of this year."

The Ministry of Commerce has consistently emphasized this to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun meeting with USTR representatives during the APEC Leaders' Meeting, who emphasized that trade and security issues must be clearly separated.

Ms. Chotima stated that on the details of the trade agreement, at the national level, serious homework has been conducted, with intensive discussions with the United States. A strategic working group has been established, chaired by Dr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to oversee this matter. The group remains committed to continuing preparations for negotiations with the United States and adhering to the original goals.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Thai entrepreneurs to enhance their competitiveness in products with potential. This includes exploring new markets and negotiating new free trade agreements (FTAs). These efforts are aimed at preparing entrepreneurs to cope with the intense competition and numerous factors impacting international trade and investment during this period.

"As for Thailand, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to the original goal and will continue to work diligently. We will continue to hold discussions with all stakeholders, as we have always done, and will continue to do so, including the government, private sector, and business operators. The objectives of the negotiations, the benefits, and the impacts will be fully and comprehensively considered. The Thai side will reassure the USTR that we will continue to move forward with negotiations with the USTR."

However, after agreeing on a negotiating framework, the details of the reciprocal trade agreement are currently being discussed. Negotiations for this agreement will require both parties to work together internally. The Thai working group will soon meet again and will communicate to the United States that Thailand is ready to respond to the previously discussed issues, and that work will remain uninterrupted.

"We will have a working group meeting soon. We've been discussing this all along, working together to ensure we're ready and set a date. We'll need to communicate back to the US that we're ready to respond to the discussions we've had. In the meantime, we're not halting our work."

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