US, Thailand agree on reciprocal trade framework covering 99% of goods

The United States and Thailand have agreed to a framework for reciprocal trade that will address tariff and non-tariff barriers across agricultural and industrial products, the White House announced on Sunday, October 26.

Under the agreement, Thailand will remove tariff barriers on approximately 99% of goods, covering a wide range of US industrial and food exports.

The framework was unveiled as part of President Donald Trump’s Asia tour, which included participation in the 13th US-ASEAN Summit and a series of diplomatic and trade initiatives across Southeast Asia.

“The United States and Thailand have agreed to a framework that will substantially open Thailand’s market to US exports and ensure fair competition for US products,” the White House statement said.

The move is expected to significantly boost trade in industrial goods, agricultural products, and food commodities, while mitigating non-tariff barriers that have historically hindered US exporters.

Trump’s visit also marked the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords between Thailand and Cambodia, ending border tensions, and the finalisation of trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia.

The United States simultaneously announced frameworks for trade negotiations with Vietnam and issued joint trade statements with Thailand and Vietnam.

The

US-Thailand trade framework complements other agreements signed during the tour, including:

• Malaysia: Elimination or reduction of tariffs on nearly all US exports, preferential market access for industrial and agricultural goods, and removal of discriminatory barriers on motor vehicles.


• Cambodia: Complete elimination of tariffs on US goods, including industrial and agricultural products, with regulatory recognition to simplify export processes.


• Vietnam: A framework for reciprocal trade ensuring preferential access for U.S. industrial and agricultural exports.

Trump also used the tour to strengthen defense and critical minerals cooperation with Thailand and Malaysia, aiming to enhance supply chain resilience and mitigate anti-competitive practices.

Experts say the US-Thailand trade framework, by addressing nearly all tariffs and non-tariff barriers, could open significant new avenues for US exporters in Southeast Asia, particularly in agriculture, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer goods sectors.

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