THAILAND U.S. – Thailand Free Trade Agreement:  The Northwest Horticultural Council is working to advance the objectives of the apple, pear and cherry industry in the U.S.-Thailand FTA.  For fresh product, immediate duty-free access to Thailand’s market of 62 million people is the primary goal.  For canned pears, the objectives are to maintain the current 15.3% U.S. duty for as long as possible and prevent canned pears from China, South Africa and other origins from entering the U.S. duty–free through Thailand under the FTA. President George Bush and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced the intention to negotiate a U.S.-Thailand FTA on October 19, 2003.  Thailand does not produce apples, pears, or sweet cherries and hence relies on imported product to supply its consumers.  An FTA with Thailand would be beneficial for both Thai consumers and the growers and shippers of tree fruits in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.  Current tariff rates in Thailand for apples are at 10 percent, pears at 30 percent and sweet cherries at 40 percent. The NHC is a member of the U.S.-Thailand FTA Business Coalition which is based in Washington, D.C. 5/25/07 Northwest Horticultural Council 105 South 18th Street, Suite 105 Yakima, Washington 98901, USA Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615 E-mail general@nwhort.org