Philippines signs ASEAN pact to ease trade in pandemic essentials

Philippines signed an agreement with ASEAN countries to reduce trade restrictions on essential pandemic-related goods.

The memorandum of understanding aims to ensure the continuous movement of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment across borders by reducing non-tariff measures.

This initiative covers 152 tariff lines of essential goods and is part of ASEAN's commitment to keep markets open and improve economic resilience during the pandemic.

Philippines did not implement export bans on essential products at the start of the pandemic and has encouraged local firms to produce personal protective equipment.