According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers’ Association (SGMA), the prospects for concluding US bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea and Malaysia by early next year appear strong. This would allow agreements to be considered by the US Congress before July 1, 2007, the expiration date of the current trade promotion authority, and permit them to take effect as early as January 1, 2008.

However, the outlook for the FTA negotiations with Thailand is less promising, notwithstanding the fact they started over a year earlier. Recent political turmoil in Bangkok has made the likelihood of negotiations resuming in earnest less likely in the near future.

Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia are major suppliers of sporting goods equipment, athletic footwear and sports apparel to the US market. The three countries also represent significant potential export markets.