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How Do FTAs Affect Exporting Firms in Thailand?

Author

Listed:
  • Ganeshan Wignaraja

    (Asian Development Bank Institute)

  • Rosechin Olfindo
  • Wisarn Pupphavesa
  • Jirawat Panpiemras
  • Sumet Ongkittikul

Abstract

Thailandan outward-oriented regional production hubis one of East Asia's most active users of free trade agreements (FTAs) as an instrument of commercial policy. By December 2009, Thailand had 11 concluded FTAs, and more were either under negotiation or proposed. Thai trade negotiators have striven to secure market access via FTAs, but little is known on how FTAs actually affect exporting firms. A survey of 221 exporters in leading sectors forms the basis for the first systematic study of the business impact of FTAs in Thailand. Key findings are as follows : (i) 24.9% of respondents used Thai FTAs as of 20072008, and this figure seems set to rise; (ii) 45.9% of respondents said that FTAs had influenced their business plans; (iii) 26.2% of firms felt that dealing with multiple rules of origin adds to business costs, and this is estimated to be less than 1% of export sales; (iv) more than half the sample firms have consulted with government and business associations on FTAs; and (v) a significant demand existed for business development services to adjust to FTAs, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The findings suggest that Thailand should refine its FTA strategy to take better advantage of regional trade agreements. The study concludes with specific recommendations to improve business awareness of FTAs, encourage greater utilization of FTA preferences, increase competitiveness of local firms, and mitigate the potential effect of multiple rules of origin.

Suggested Citation

  • Ganeshan Wignaraja & Rosechin Olfindo & Wisarn Pupphavesa & Jirawat Panpiemras & Sumet Ongkittikul, 2010. "How Do FTAs Affect Exporting Firms in Thailand?," Trade Working Papers 21993, East Asian Bureau of Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:eab:tradew:21993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kuroiwa, Ikuo, 2006. "Rules of Origin and Local Content in East Asia," IDE Discussion Papers 78, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
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    Cited by:

    1. Chirathivat, Suthiphand & Srisangnam, Piti, 2013. "The 2030 Architecture of Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Agreements," ADBI Working Papers 419, Asian Development Bank Institute.
    2. Bao, Ha Cong Anh, 2016. "The panorama for Vietnam’s Timber Industry with Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA): Opportunities and challenges," Papers 979, World Trade Institute.
    3. Gabriel Felbermayr & Feodora Teti & Erdal Yalcin & Gabriel J. Felbermayr, 2018. "On the Profitability of Trade Deflection and the Need for Rules of Origin," CESifo Working Paper Series 6929, CESifo.
    4. Felbermayr, Gabriel & Teti, Feodora & Yalcin, Erdal, 2019. "Rules of origin and the profitability of trade deflection," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    5. NAGEL Daniel, 2017. "The Fate of 21st Century Multilateralism," European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bucharest Economic Academy, issue 02, June.
    6. Misa Okabe, . "The Impact of ASEAN +1 FTAs on ASEAN's Trade," Chapters, in: Lili Yan Ing (ed.), East Asian Integration (First Edition), chapter 2, pages 25-66, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
    7. Misa OKABE, 2015. "Impact of Free Trade Agreements on Trade in East Asia," Working Papers DP-2015-01, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Thailand; Free Trade Agreement; trade;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • O24 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Trade Policy; Factor Movement; Foreign Exchange Policy

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