Commerce Ministry pushes for Thailand-EU FTA to increase trade advantages and attract European investors

Why is the Thailand-EU FTA important?

• Increasing trade opportunities: Making Thai products more competitive in the European market
• Reduce business costs: Free market openings help reduce import and export costs.
• Attracting Investment: European investors have more opportunities to invest in Thailand

Currently, Thailand and the EU have negotiated 4 rounds of FTA, with 2 chapters concluded and discussions on opening up the market for goods and services have begun. The next round will be hosted by the EU from 31 March to 4 April 2025, with the goal of completing the negotiations by 25 December 2025.

Issues under negotiation

• Government procurement
• Energy and raw materials
• State enterprises and subsidies
• Trade competition
• Sustainable food systems

The EU is Thailand’s most important trading partner.

• It is ranked 4th after China, the United States and Japan.
• Total trade value was 43,533 million dollars or 7.17% of Thailand’s total trade.
• Thailand exports to the EU $24,205 million. Main products include computers and parts, gems, air conditioners, rubber products, and auto parts.
• Thailand imported from the EU $19.328 billion, such as machinery, medical products, aviation equipment, chemicals and electrical machinery.

In addition to the FTA negotiations, the Ministry of Commerce also discussed important issues with Mr. David Daly, EU Ambassador to Thailand, such as the import of Thai agricultural products to the European market and the law against illegal fishing (IUU Fishing).

If Thailand can successfully conclude the FTA with the EU, it will help strengthen the Thai economy, increase trade opportunities, reduce costs, and attract more European investors. This is an important step to keep an eye on!

Data source : Bangkok Business