Supachai revealed that she met with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to expedite the negotiation of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) to reduce U.S. tax risks ahead of clarifying Section 301, a law concerning unfair trade practices.
At 08:45 on 12 May 2026 at the Government House, Ms. Supachai Sutthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, disclosed after her visit to the United States to meet with Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and Rick Switzer, U.S. Deputy Trade Representative, on 4 May 2026 to accelerate the ART negotiations, that a team remains in the U.S. conducting technical discussions on two issues: Asset Capacity and Forced Labour. During her visit, she discussed Thailand's position, having already submitted responses on 15 April and clarified all points clearly without any issues.
Additionally, both sides confirmed their mutual desire for trade between the two countries to yield maximum benefits. They are also negotiating the ART, which has been pending since the previous government. Thailand aims to conclude the ART before the Section 301 investigation (a law related to unfair trade) begins.
Discussions also covered Thailand's trade surplus with the U.S., noting clear data that Thailand's surplus increased significantly last year compared to the year before. It was clarified that at least 30% of the additional surplus goods are from U.S. companies investing in Thailand, with over 20% from Thai companies. Regarding concerns about transshipment, Thailand has documents and data ready to fully clarify the facts.