Phl set for high-level talks with US over new 20% tariffs
Top Palace Official says trade delegation to push for fairer terms
The Philippine government is set to hold high-level talks with the United States next week following the Washington’s decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on certain Philippine exports.
This was confirmed by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go in a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday.
Go said the Philippine delegation, including officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will travel to Washington, D.C., to engage with US trade representatives on the matter.
“The fact remains, however, that the 20 percent rate is the second lowest among all reciprocal tariffs that the US has imposed on the region – the lowest being the 10 percent off, Singapore,” he noted.
Go clarified that the upcoming trip had been scheduled prior to the tariff announcement, but the new policy will now be a priority item in the discussions.
The top Palace economic official and his team are set to travel to Washington to begin the “second stage” of high-level negotiations. Accompanying Go will be Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, along with Undersecretaries Ceferino Rodolfo and Allan Gepty.
Meanwhile, Go assured that the country’s top export products, such as semiconductors and electronics, remain exempt from the new tariff scheme, which is expected to take effect in August.
US officials are currently reviewing whether to keep these exemptions in place.
Despite the development, Go said the Philippines remains in a “relatively favorable” position and is using the situation to push for long-term trade reforms.
Beyond addressing short-term concerns, Go underscored that the government is focused on laying the foundation for broader trade agreements that will benefit Filipino industries and expand global market access.
He stressed that the Marcos administration is committed to pursuing a bilateral comprehensive economic agreement with the US, and potentially a free trade agreement (FTA), as part of its long-term strategy.
“We remain committed to continuing negotiations with the United States in good faith to pursue a bilateral comprehensive economic agreement or, if possible, an FTA ,” Go said.