US slaps 20% tariff on PH exports starting August 1

The United States has imposed a 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports, effective August 1, 2025, which the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) warns could harm the country's export competitiveness.

This new tariff rate represents an increase from the previous 17 percent.

Vietnam also faces a 20 percent tariff, while goods suspected of being transshipped from China through Vietnam will be subject to a higher 40 percent rate.

Other Asian countries received varying tariff rates, with Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia at 25 percent; China at 30 percent; Indonesia at 32 percent; Bangladesh at 35 percent; Thailand and Cambodia at 36 percent; Laos and Myanmar at 40 percent; and Singapore at 10 percent.

PCCI President Enunina Mangio stated that while they respect the US's sovereign right, they are concerned about the significant challenges to industries with substantial US exports.

These tariffs are part of US President Donald Trump's trade policies.

An RCBC economist noted that the Philippines' lower reliance on exports compared to its ASEAN neighbors might mitigate the overall economic impact.