Philippines plans to negotiate with U.S. to lower tariffs, envoy to Washington says

Philippines plans to negotiate with U.S. to lower tariffs, envoy to Washington says
Reuters
Reuters

The Philippines plans to negotiate with the United States to reduce newly imposed 20% tariffs on its exports, following a directive by President Donald Trump.

The Philippines intends to enter talks with the United States to reduce recently announced tariffs, after Washington raised duties on imports from Manila to 20%, the country’s ambassador to the U.S. said on Thursday.

“We still plan to negotiate those down,” Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said in a phone message.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued new tariff directives for several trading partners, including the Philippines, raising duties to 20%, an increase from the previously announced 17%.

When asked what tariff rate the Philippines would aim for in negotiations, Romualdez replied: “Will see.”

According to data from the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, total trade in goods between the U.S. and the Philippines reached approximately $23.5 billion in 2024. U.S. exports to the Philippines rose slightly to $9.3 billion, up 0.4% from 2023, while imports from the Philippines increased 6.9% to $14.2 billion.

This led to a U.S. trade deficit with the Philippines of $4.9 billion in 2024—a 21.8% rise compared to the previous year.

The office of the Philippine president has not yet issued a response.

Tags