Supachai Suthempan confirmed that Anutin and Trump do not have a scheduled off-the-record negotiation on ART taxes, noting that the Thailand team is actively negotiating with the USTR to finalize a deal capping tariffs at 19% to prevent Thai products from being disadvantaged in the U.S. market.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthempan She revealed the progress of the Thailand–U.S. Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) negotiations, stating that there is still no official confirmation for talks between Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump, initially expected around 17 or 18 September 2026.
The Thai side aims for clarity in official-level negotiations and ART agreement details first, to prepare information and proposals for leader-level discussions. Currently, the Thailand team continues ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), including official discussions and video conferences.
During the Prime Minister and delegation's U.S. visit from 21–27 September 2026, their main mission is attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York as Thailand's representative to deliver statements and participate in international forums. There is currently no official schedule for off-the-record talks with U.S. leaders.
Supachai said The ART negotiations have advanced significantly and are in the final stages, with most key issues clarified. Only wording adjustments in the draft agreement and some details remain for mutual resolution. The negotiation team is working diligently to finalize ART details before the U.S. Section 301 process moves forward, aiming to limit tax risks and maintain Thai products' competitiveness in the U.S. market. Thailand seeks to keep tariffs within previously discussed limits, not exceeding 19%, and not higher than regional competitors.
Regarding the U.S. intention to avoid trade with countries running trade surpluses with it, this is part of its plan to restructure trade balances with partners. Thailand is among countries with a significant trade surplus with the U.S., making ART negotiations important for both sides. Thailand aims to preserve exporters' and manufacturing sectors' competitiveness reliant on the U.S. market, especially by preventing tariffs higher than competitors that could affect orders and investments.
"Thailand's goal in ART negotiations is to maintain tariffs within the previously discussed range, around 19%, ensuring Thai products are not disadvantaged compared to regional competitors. If Thailand's tariffs are much higher, it would harm exporters' competitiveness and put pressure on manufacturing sectors dependent on the U.S. market."
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