Philippines monitoring developments on Trump global tariffs

There are ongoing negotiations between the Philippines and the United States over the latest global tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said Tuesday.

“We are currently monitoring developments in the US. In the meantime, we will continue to engage with the US to ensure that our trade and investment relations remain robust,” she said on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

On 20 February, the US Supreme Court blocked Trump’s 15 percent global levy, ruling that the US President overstepped his authority in imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Hours after the decision, Trump announced a 10-percent global tariff to replace the voided policy, then raised it to 15 percent the next day through an executive order.

Before the ruling, Philippine exports were subject to a 19-percent tariff, with some agricultural products exempted, effective 7 August 2025.

“We are still where we are now. We are still at the negotiating table (with US counterparts). There is still nothing yet. Our parties are still in talks,” Roque said.

She added that it would be premature for the Department of Trade and Industry to make assumptions while negotiations are ongoing.

“The tariff exemptions remain, and yes, it’s still there because there are no changes yet. For now, it’s given that it will stay, but we are still in talks,” she said.

Roque maintained that there is no immediate need to formally reach out to the US government regarding Philippine exemptions, as discussions remain active.

As the Philippines holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, Roque was asked whether Manila would push for a unified regional stand on the tariffs. She said she has not yet discussed the matter with ASEAN counterparts.

“What would happen is that when the ASEAN Trade Ministers come on 11-13 March, that could be one of the topics that we will be talking about.”

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the United States was the country’s top export destination last year, with shipments reaching $13.44 billion, accounting for nearly 16 percent of total exports.

Merchandise exports reached a record $84.41 billion in 2025, up 15.2 percent from $73.27 billion the previous year.

From 11 to 13 March, the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat, led by the DTI, will focus on deepening economic integration, accelerating green transformation and strengthening digital economy cooperation.

These initiatives aim to expand market access for Filipino exporters, attract quality investments that create jobs, maintain price stability through stronger supply chains and open more opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises across ASEAN.

Roque, in her speech at the forum, said the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship, anchored on the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” will prioritize digitalization and artificial intelligence through the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, industrial development of semiconductors and critical minerals, renewable energy infrastructure, cross-border mobility of digital talent, MSME development and healthcare innovation.