As the Philippines seeks to negotiate for reduced United States-imposed tariffs of 17 percent on all US-bound exports, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced that a definite date has been set for her and Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Investment Affairs Secretary Frederick Go to meet with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

“We leave on the 29th to 2 May. I and Secretary Frederick Go. And then we hope to get the meeting. And then, of course, my counterpart, the Trade Minister. We're not sure who else the US will bring to the meeting, but we're going to be meeting with them,” Roque told reporters during the opening of Franchise Asia Philippines 2025 International Expo and Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

She emphasized that the main agenda is to lower the tariffs imposed by the US on Philippine exports.

“Our goal in the meeting is to bring down the tariff. That’s what is best for the country and just reiterates that we will continue a strong relationship between the US and the Philippines. So, the trade ties between us will continue to be good,” she explained.

Roque added that reducing tariffs reflects the demand of manufacturers and exporters consulted last week.

“We had a consultation with the manufacturers, with the exporters, and also with the importers. And we want to get a consensus also, so that when we decide, not based on what we think, but based on the consultations with the different industries,” Secretary Roque said.

The consultations brought together stakeholders from various export sectors, including producers, consolidators, industry associations, and government officials. Participants discussed current US market dynamics, identifying strategic opportunities and challenges under the existing trade environment.

Discussions also focused on how the government and private sector can jointly promote the Philippines as a reliable and trusted trading partner amid global trade uncertainties.