Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the Philippines will continue to do business with the United States despite renewed tariff actions under US President Donald Trump.

In a statement Sunday, Go said the Philippines remains committed to engaging the US, calling it “an important trade and investment partner.”

He noted that even before recent developments, most key Philippine exports to the US — including semiconductors and major agricultural products — were already exempt from tariffs.

In April 2025, Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on trading partners under his “America First” policy, citing trade deficits as a national emergency. The Philippines initially faced tariffs of about 17 percent on exports to the US, up from the previous 6 to 7 percent average duty.

Exporters raised concerns, but Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at the time that the overall impact would likely be minimal given strong bilateral ties.

Manila moved to negotiate protections for key sectors such as semiconductors and agriculture. During a 22 July 2025 meeting at the White House, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Trump agreed on a 19 percent tariff, slightly lower than earlier threats.

In November 2025, the US lifted tariffs on more than $1 billion worth of Philippine agricultural exports, improving competitiveness and supporting jobs and supply chains. Go earlier said the move would enhance export competitiveness and help businesses adjust to the new trade environment.

However, on Friday, 20 February, the US Supreme Court struck down the Trump tariffs, calling them “unconstitutional” and ruling that the president exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court said the emergency law did not grant broad power to impose import taxes without congressional approval.

In response, Trump announced a temporary 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs of up to 150 days without congressional approval. He later raised the rate to 15 percent, the maximum allowed under Section 122.

Trump described the Supreme Court decision as “extraordinarily anti-American” and signaled he would maintain an aggressive tariff policy.

The latest policy shift drew criticism globally. In the Philippines, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. urged continued dialogue with US counterparts, noting that the scrapping of the 19 percent tariff could provide temporary relief.

“The invalidation of the previous 19 percent tariff provides much-needed legal relief to our members,” said Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., PHILEXPORT president. “Our exporters showed incredible resilience last year, driving total exports to a record $84.4 billion despite these headwinds. This ruling removes a major barrier that was unfairly penalizing Philippine craftsmanship and industry.”

PHILEXPORT said key sectors such as semiconductors and electronics — which generated $47 billion in 2025 — are expected to remain exempt due to their role in the US technology supply chain.

More than $1 billion in agricultural exports, including coconut oil, pineapples and mangoes, are also shielded.

The group noted that the Section 122 tariff is temporary and capped at 150 days unless extended by Congress, giving exporters a window for further bilateral negotiations.

PHILEXPORT said sustained dialogue will be crucial to protect gains made by Philippine industries in international trade.