Philippine delegation meets US Trade Rep to discuss tariffs, boost trade

A high-level Philippine economic delegation, led by Presidential Assistant on Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington DC on May 2 to address concerns over reciprocal tariffs and strengthen bilateral trade relations.

Trade Secretary Roque stated that the Philippines would hold additional meetings with U.S. officials to advance tariff negotiations, emphasizing that discussions could extend throughout the 90-day pause of Trump's planned trade measures.

The meeting concluded positively, with both sides expressing optimism about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that would benefit the economies of both countries.

Philippine officials highlighted that the newly imposed US tariff on Philippine exports is comparatively lower than those levied on several other ASEAN nations, putting the Philippines in a more favorable position.

Trade Secretary Roque and Secretary Go emphasized that local industries' welfare was central to the negotiations and expressed hope for arrangements that would strengthen US-Philippines trade ties and diversify export markets.