Framework for a U.S.–Thailand Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Framework for a U.S.–Thailand Agreement on Reciprocal Trade Date/Source: October 26, 2025 — Briefings & Statements Purpose: Establish a framework for a forthcoming Reciprocal Trade Agreement expanding market access and deepening the U.S.–Thailand economic relationship. Tariffs: Non-tariff barriers: Thailand to accept U.S. vehicle safety/emissions standards (FMVSS/EPA), accept FDA certificates and prior authorizations for medical devices/pharma, permit U.S. fuel ethanol imports, remove customs “reward” incentives tied to penalties, and adopt good regulatory practices. Agriculture: Expedite access for FSIS-certified U.S. meat/poultry; ensure science- and risk-based requirements for U.S. horticultural products and DDGS; accept agreed U.S. certificates. Labor and environment: Protect internationally recognized labor rights; strengthen enforcement (including high-risk sectors for forced/child labor); combat illegal timber trade; implement WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies; fight IUU fishing and illegal wildlife trade. IP and digital trade: Address counterfeiting, piracy, rogue CMOs, TPM circumvention, and patent backlog; commitments on geographical indications; refrain from digital services taxes and discriminatory measures; enable trusted cross-border data flows; support WTO e-transmissions duty moratorium; refrain from film screen quotas; ease telecom foreign-ownership limits; remove in-country processing for domestic debit transactions. SOEs and security: Discipline distortionary state-owned enterprise behavior; cooperate on export controls, investment security, anti–duty evasion; enhance supply chain resilience. Commercial deals noted: ~$2.6B/year agriculture purchases; $5.4B/year energy purchases; procurement of 80 U.S. aircraft ($18.8B). Next steps: Negotiate final text, prepare for signature, and complete domestic procedures for entry into force.