Garment exports defy US tariffs

The country's garment exports are expected to reach $1 billion this year as the industry remained resilient despite the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States (US), according to the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP).

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

FOBAP President Robert Young said garment exports are poised to grow by 11 percent this year to $1 billion from around $900 million last year, mainly due to advance deliveries.

Young said the year was "surprisingly good" for the local garment industry, as buyers abroad opted to frontload imports to cushion the impact of the US tariffs.

Shipments from the Philippines to the US have been subject to a 19-percent reciprocal tariff since August.

In recent months, the local export industry has secured tariff exemptions, the latest of which applied to several agricultural products.