EU and Thailand close to free trade agreement – ​​what does it mean for entrepreneurs and consumers in 2025?

A free trade agreement between the EU and Thailand is expected to be finalized before the end of 2025. But what does this mean in practice for Swedish entrepreneurs in Thailand, exporters, consumers and local producers? We go through the latest details – and what is at stake.

Negotiations: Positive signals from Bangkok

Thailand and the European Union are approaching an important free trade agreement that, according to Thailand's Minister of Trade Pichai Narittapan, could be completed as early as December 2025. The fifth negotiation meeting was held between March 31 and April 4. There, the parties agreed on important elements such as customs regulations, easier trade and safe food handling.

The goal of the agreement is to make trade smoother, improve food safety and create stable rules between Thailand and the EU – something that is especially important at a time of great uncertainty in the global economy.

“The agreement is important for building long-term and reliable trade relations,” Narittapan said during a press briefing.

What does an EU–Thailand FTA mean in concrete terms?

For entrepreneurs, especially in exports, the agreement can provide several benefits:

• Lower tariffs on important goods such as agricultural products, food, machinery and electronics.
• Easier import and export through digital solutions and standardized documents.
• Clearer rules regarding origin and certification.
• Opportunity to participate in public procurement and new collaborations around sustainability.

For consumers, the agreement could mean more products in stores, better prices and greater access to both European goods in Thailand and Thai goods in the EU.

Why is this important right now?

Due to the growing trade dispute between the US and China, both the EU and Thailand are looking for new ways to secure their economies. For Thailand, this includes:

• Trade more with different countries and reduce dependence on the major economies.
• Strengthen its reputation internationally.
• Attract more investments and tourists from Europe.

This is in line with Thailand's overall trade strategy for 2025 and its strengthened diplomatic relations.

The EU sees the agreement as an important part of its strategy to increase cooperation with Asia.

Timetable ahead

The next round of negotiations is scheduled for 23–27 June 2025 in Thailand. Both the EU and Thailand have shown strong support for concluding the agreement before the end of the year.

For more information: https://ec.europa.eu

EU-Thailand trade agreement – ​​this has happened

Read also about Thailand's trade agreement with Bhutan in 2025.

• 2007: Negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement between the EU and ASEAN (including Thailand) begin.
• 2013: The EU and Thailand start bilateral negotiations on a free trade agreement.
• 2014: Negotiations are paused after the military coup in Thailand.
• 2023: Negotiations officially resume in March.
• 2025: The fifth round was held at the end of March, and the next one is scheduled for June 23–27.
• Measurements: To complete the agreement before the end of the year 2025.

Source: European Commission, Nation Thailand

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: Thailand Info