Exporters urged to strengthen US ties amid reciprocal tariffs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) are engaging the country's exporters in coming up with measures to strengthen trade with the United States following the imposition of reciprocal tariffs.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

The country's group of port users said the tariffs are a major concern as these are causing uncertainty and leading to some export orders to be put on hold.

In a statement, the DTI said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go met with key export leaders to get their insights as the government is preparing measures given the US reciprocal tariffs.

Amid an unpredictable US trade policy, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said there is a need to address non-tariff issues such as red tape and to diversify the country's export markets.

Ortiz-Luis said the Philippines may consider strengthening its exports to China.