Thailand seeks Dutch backing for farm exports in EU trade talks
Thai and Dutch representatives reaffirmed a year-end target for completing the trade pact, with negotiations aimed at balancing farm and industrial market access.
Thailand has sought support from the Netherlands for greater access to the EU market for its agricultural exports as officials reaffirmed their goal of finishing a free trade deal within ten weeks, by year-end.
Thailand Trade Representative Werapong Prapha raised the request in Bangkok with Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Werapong said the products concerned included canned tuna, white rice and chicken meat.
Werapong cautioned that efforts to move negotiations faster must preserve the quality of the agreement and secure acceptance across sectors. The discussions considered how to balance market openings for agriculture and industry, while Dutch representatives brought up competition in trade and industrial policy.
At a subsequent gathering with business networks from both countries to mark the opening of new Dutch Embassy premises, Thailand highlighted reforms to its economy and transparency in trade rules. It also outlined efforts to draw foreign direct investment into high technology, medical tourism, electric vehicles, clean energy and upgrades to agricultural and food value chains.
The Netherlands ranks second among Thailand’s EU trading partners and 19th worldwide. Trade between the countries reached US$7.96 billion in 2025, representing around 1.16 per cent of Thailand’s overall foreign trade. Thailand exported US$7.02 billion to the Netherlands and imported US$948 million.
