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Philippines eyes free trade pact with US amid Trump tariffs
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go will travel to the United States to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer regarding President Donald Trump's announced 17% reciprocal tariff on Philippine goods.
Go confirmed that the US Trade Representative's office responded positively to a meeting request, and he will schedule a trip to the US to engage in a dialogue about the tariffs.
The Philippines is considering lowering tariffs on goods imported from the United States, with Go suggesting a free trade agreement as the best possible outcome.
According to Department of Trade and Industry data, the US was the Philippines' top export market after China in 2024, with $12.12 billion in exports.
The Philippines imported $8.165 billion in goods from the US, its fifth largest import supplier, in 2024.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also begun internal discussions on the impacts of the tariffs, and ASEAN Trade Ministers will engage with the US to relay their concerns.
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US President Donald Trump announced a 17% reciprocal tariff on all Philippine goods, effective April 9, as part of his "Liberation Day" tariff plan impacting 11 ASEAN countries.
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The Philippines sees an opportunity to boost exports to the US following the imposition of a 17% reciprocal tariff by US President Donald Trump.
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Trade ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened virtually on April 10 to discuss a united response to reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
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The Philippine government, through Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, has stated that the Philippines will not engage in retaliatory measures against the recently imposed 17-percent tariff on certain Philippine goods entering the US market.
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The Philippine government, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is evaluating the strategic opportunities arising from the 17 percent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on its imports.
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