December 5, 2025

Canada intends to launch free trade negotiations with Thailand

Canada's trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, notified the House of Commons of the government's intent to initiate negotiations toward a Canada-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The Government of Canada will soon initiate public consultations. Canadians will be invited, via a Canada Gazette notice and publication on the Global Affairs Canada webpage, to submit their views on a potential Canada-Thailand FTA and related economic, social, and environmental impacts.

Through this process, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and individual Canadians will provide input and feedback.

Thailand is currently Canada's second largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $6.4 billion in 2024.

Canadian merchandise exports to Thailand were valued at $1.0 billion, and imports at over $5.3 billion. Further, bilateral trade in services totaled $522 million in 2023. In addition, Canadian direct investment in Thailand totaled $531 million in 2024, while Thai direct investment in Canada reached $692 million.