Editor’s Note
This article reports on a new trade framework between the U.S. and Thailand, a significant development for bilateral economic ties and market access.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced that the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand have reached a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. This important step strengthens bilateral economic relations and will provide exporters from both nations with unprecedented access to each other’s markets.
Does this mean tariffs on loose colored gemstones from Thailand have been reduced to zero? Not yet—but significant progress is underway. AGTA has formally petitioned the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to include loose colored precious and semi-precious gemstones from Thailand under Annex III of Executive Order 14346 (September 5, 2025), pertaining to Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAPs). This designation would establish a zero-percent reciprocal import tariff rate for qualifying gemstones entering the United States.
The implementation process and timeline are expected to follow the model of the recent U.S.–EU Reciprocal Trade Agreement, with a formal announcement to be published in the Federal Register once the agreement is finalized and PTAAP adjustments are confirmed.
AGTA’s Washington, D.C. team continues to work diligently with a number of additional gemstone-producing nations to expand these opportunities.
AGTA extends its sincere appreciation to President Trump, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Departments of Commerce and Treasury for their continued support of American industries reliant on mineral resources not found domestically.
We will keep our members and industry colleagues informed as additional details and timelines become available.