ASEAN and Canada have made significant progress in negotiations for their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with more than 50% of the discussions completed and 10 chapters already concluded. These chapters cover areas such as the temporary movement of persons, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), competition policy, customs procedures and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, technical and economic cooperation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and telecommunications services. However, several key issues remain under negotiation, including trade in goods, rules of origin, technical standards and regulations, certification and verification processes, e-commerce, investment, and sustainable trade and development. Both sides aim to finalize the agreement by the end of 2026.
Thailand considers the ASEAN–Canada FTA particularly important, as it would become Thailand’s first free trade agreement with a country in North America. In addition, Thailand and Canada are planning to initiate bilateral FTA negotiations, with Canada expected to begin talks by mid-2026. Trade between the two countries has continued to grow, with Thailand’s exports to Canada reaching USD 3.92 billion in 2025, representing a 21.44% increase from the previous year. Key Thai exports include computers and components, steel products, canned seafood, rice, and rubber products, while major imports from Canada include electrical circuits, diamonds, gold, fertilizers, and machinery. The agreement is expected to further expand trade, services, and investment opportunities between ASEAN and Canada in an increasingly uncertain global economic environment
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March 17, 2026
