New Thailand, Vietnam Trade Frameworks Expand U.S. Agriculture

Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Two new trade frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam aim to pry open high-growth Southeast Asian markets for U.S. farm goods — and reduce border red tape. Both pacts promise broader tariff relief and faster approvals, positioning rural exporters to move more corn, soy products, meat, poultry, dairy, and ethanol into the region as logistics and paperwork improve.

Thailand plans to eliminate tariffs on about 99 percent of goods, expedite access for FSIS-certified meat and poultry, issue import permits for fuel ethanol, and keep rules for U.S. horticulture and DDGS science- and risk-based.

Vietnam commits “preferential market access” for substantially all U.S. industrial and agricultural exports, plus workstreams on SPS certificates, IP, and conformity assessment. The United States, for now, maintains reciprocal tariffs — 19 percent on Thailand and 20 percent on Vietnam — while carving out select product lanes to zero under aligned-partner lists.

At the farm gate, the Thailand framework signals immediate opportunity for corn, soymeal, DDGS, poultry, pork, and ethanol; Vietnam’s package supports grains, oilseeds, meats, and specialty foods as non-tariff hurdles come down. Both deals also stress labor and environmental standards — a backdrop that can stabilize long-term access.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.

Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert

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Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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