Thailand and EU Advance Free Trade Agreement Discussions
Fifth round of negotiations yields progress on customs and food systems, with market access talks underway
The fifth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Thailand and the European Union (EU) has made significant progress.
The two sides reached a preliminary agreement in principle on two additional chapters: Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, which aims to improve customs operations efficiency, and Sustainable Food Systems, focusing on developing resilient food systems.
Negotiations on market access for goods have begun, with initial offers on services and investment to be exchanged in early June 2025. Intersessional meetings are scheduled to prepare for the sixth round of negotiations, set to take place in Thailand from June 23-27. Following the fifth round's conclusion, European Commissioner for Trade commended the progress and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to advancing the FTA, with a goal to conclude the agreement by December 25, 2025.
The two sides reached a preliminary agreement in principle on two additional chapters: Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, which aims to improve customs operations efficiency, and Sustainable Food Systems, focusing on developing resilient food systems.
Negotiations on market access for goods have begun, with initial offers on services and investment to be exchanged in early June 2025. Intersessional meetings are scheduled to prepare for the sixth round of negotiations, set to take place in Thailand from June 23-27. Following the fifth round's conclusion, European Commissioner for Trade commended the progress and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to advancing the FTA, with a goal to conclude the agreement by December 25, 2025.
