"Supajee" pushes forward negotiations with USTR to close a trade deal with the US, reducing tariff pressure and promoting increased investment and imports.

"Supajee" is actively negotiating with the USTR to close a trade deal with the United States, reducing tariff pressure. Proposals include increasing investment in the US, expanding imports of goods that Thailand cannot yet produce, and requesting tariff exemptions for certain products.

May 6, 2569 Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce. Following discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Rick Switzer, it was revealed that the discussions were constructive and reflected the shared commitment of Thailand and the United States to expedite negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) and achieve a swift conclusion. This aims to boost economic confidence and investment, as well as reduce pressure from the United States to impose trade measures against Thailand.

Ms. Supajee stated that the U.S. side prioritizes trade rebalancing and opens opportunities for Thailand to play a proactive role through expanding investment in the U.S. in areas where both sides have mutual potential, such as processed agricultural products and energy. This includes imports from the U.S. in product categories that Thailand needs but cannot yet produce domestically. The Thai side confirmed its readiness and informed the U.S. about plans to expand private sector investment in the U.S., which received a positive response and is considered a crucial component of cooperation that both sides can drive forward concretely.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce stated that Thailand used this opportunity to push forward several important issues, particularly the U.S. approach to exempting Thai goods from tariffs that the U.S. cannot produce domestically. The U.S. side has shown openness and willingness to consider further options, reflecting flexibility and a readiness to find mutually beneficial solutions.

Regarding the negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement, Ms. Supajee clarified to the US side that Thailand prioritizes negotiation outcomes that will ensure the agreement's practical implementation. The US side expressed understanding and readiness to discuss both the clear timeline for implementation and the details of the agreement on various issues, in order to make Thailand's internal operations more efficient. Furthermore, they expressed interest and requested that Thailand play a greater role in increasing the proportion of raw materials from the US in the supply chain.

Regarding the timeframe, Thailand and the United States agreed to expedite negotiations with the goal of finalizing the essential elements of the agreement as soon as possible. This is to reaffirm Thailand's status as a key strategic trading partner of the United States and to mitigate the risk of future tariffs.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce will dispatch a Thai delegation to the United States to participate in clarification and answer questions from the Office of the United States Trade Representative regarding the Section 301 investigation on May 13-14, 69, in order to create a correct understanding of Thailand's trade and production structure.

Ms. Supajee further stated that during her visit to the United States, she also held discussions with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, exchanging views on economic cooperation, investment, and opportunities to upgrade supply chains between the two countries. The U.S. side proposed areas of cooperation with potential, such as clean energy and carbon reduction technologies, small-scale nuclear energy technology, food innovation, public health cooperation, and the infant food industry—are areas of interest to the Thai private sector.

Both sides also agreed to promote cooperation between the private sector, educational institutions, and government agencies in the United States, particularly in Illinois, which has potential in energy, technology, and advanced agriculture, in order to expand investment and create added value in the long-term supply chain. At the same time, Thailand requested support in sending a positive signal to the U.S. administration that Thailand is ready to be a reliable strategic partner and is prepared to promote concrete trade cooperation.

Ms. Supajee stated that this discussion reflects the shared confidence and intention of Thailand and the United States to strengthen and further solidify economic relations in a tangible way. Thailand is ready to work closely with the United States to ensure that negotiations on reciprocal trade agreements yield balanced and sustainable long-term benefits for both parties.

In 2025, the United States was Thailand's second-largest trading partner, with a total trade value of US$93,651 million. Thai exports to the US amounted to US$72,506 million, encompassing key products such as computers, rubber products, gemstones, automobiles, and air conditioners. Meanwhile, Thailand imported goods from the US worth US$21,144 million, including crude oil, machinery, aircraft and parts, chemicals, and electrical machinery. Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus with the US of US$51,361 million.