Thailand urges rapid conclusion to EU trade talks

On Thursday, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office has urged Thailand to fast-track its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. Trade officials warned that the country risks losing crucial market share and foreign investment to regional neighbors, which already enjoy preferential tariff access.

EU finalized three major FTAs in Q1 of 2026 alone, forcing Thailand to accelerate talks to remain competitive. Thailand currently faces an average import duty of 11.5 % entering the EU, compared to 5.6% for Malaysia and 8.1% for Indonesia.