Versuchen GOLD - Frei

Agri products not part of tariff concession talks

Manila Bulletin

|

July 25, 2025

Farming sector protected, Go assures

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and DEXTER BARRO II

In a rare moment of assertiveness amid growing global trade pressures, the Philippine government stood firm in excluding agricultural products from the concessions granted under its still ongoing negotiations with the United States to lower tariffs on local exports.

This underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s farming sector amid evolving trade dynamics.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go gave this assurance after the US set the tariff on Philippine products to 19 percent following the meeting between President Marcos and President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, this week.

The one-percent reduction in tariff still positions the country in a favorable light for foreign direct investments (FDIs), according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, who was present during the meeting, said the new tariff rate places the country among Southeast Asia's most competitive in terms of trading with the US.

She said the Philippines has the second-lowest tariff rate in the region, which it shares with Indonesia, just behind Singapore's 10-percent rate.

"Because the Philippines benefits from lower US tariffs on its exports, it becomes a more attractive destination for FDIS," she explained.

WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Amit cruises to early wins

Two-time world champion Rubilen Amit kicked off her title campaign with back-to-back victories at the 2025 WPA Women's 10-Ball World Championship in Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

time to read

1 min

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Laser focus

From brightening to long-term hair removal, Skinhouse's signature laser treatments promise a glowing, smooth skin

time to read

2 mins

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Adamson into 2nd round

Joy Aseo took over the scoring task in the absence of Shaina Nitura to propel Adamson University to the second round in a quick sweep of Arellano University, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19, in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

time to read

1 min

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

PMI eyes PH smoke-free hub

Philip Morris International (PMI) is exploring potential investments in the Philippines that would make the country a critical component in the tobacco giant's vision for a smoke-free future, leveraging its strong regulatory framework and attractive business environment.

time to read

3 mins

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

DBM chief ready to help unearth truth behind flood control projects

Help is on the way from the Department of Budget and Management to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

time to read

1 min

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Magnitude-4.8 quake jolts La Union

A magnitude-4.8 earthquake struck La Union at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

time to read

1 min

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

More than 54,600 children below 5 may be acutely malnourished in Gaza - study

After two years of war and dire food shortages, more than 54,600 children younger than 5 in Gaza may be acutely malnourished, with more than 12,800 severely affected, according to a new study by a U.N. agency.

time to read

2 mins

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Suzuki launches the all-new Access AT scooter

Modern convenience, timeless style

time to read

2 mins

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

'Quezon' brings a part of history home

When the chandeliers of The Manila Hotel's Centennial Hall lit up on Oct. 7, the room didn't just hold movie stars - it had a piece of history.

time to read

3 mins

October 10, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Unprogrammed funds and its hidden perils

In a democracy, the power of the purse should not be treated merely as an administrative function-it is moral, as well.

time to read

2 mins

October 10, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size