The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced a significant milestone in international gem commerce: the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand have reached a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. This development marks a major advancement in strengthening bilateral economic relations and expanding market access for exporters in both nations.
While tariffs on loose colored gemstones from Thailand have not yet been eliminated, AGTA confirmed that the process toward tariff reduction is actively progressing. The Association has formally petitioned the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to grant Thai colored precious and semi-precious gemstones inclusion under Annex III of Executive Order 14346, issued on September 5, 2025. The designation, part of the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAPs), would enable a zero-percent reciprocal import tariff rate for qualifying gemstones entering the U.S. market.
The forthcoming implementation process is expected to mirror the model used for the recent U.S.–EU Reciprocal Trade Agreement, with final details to be officially published in the Federal Register once the agreement and PTAAP adjustments are completed.
According to AGTA leadership, progress with Thailand and Vietnam — both cornerstone sources for the American colored gemstone sector — signals a broader regional momentum. Negotiations are also extending toward other vital supply partners, including Sri Lanka, to broaden the scope of reciprocal gemstone trade.
AGTA has made securing Reciprocal Trade Agreements with Thailand and across Asia a top strategic priority, as highlighted in last week’s Roskin Gem News Report article, “How AGTA is Singlehandedly Saving the International Colored Gemstone Industry”.
