PH-EU free trade deal finished by '26

The Philippines expects negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to conclude next year, as the government seeks to open new markets for its goods and services.

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque stated that the FTA with the 27-member bloc should be finalized by 2026, given the strong progress of negotiations thus far.

"So, that's another avenue for us to sell our products to Europe," she told reporters last week.

DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty said last week that the latest round of negotiations between Manila and EU has reached "meaningful progress" in finding mutually agreeable provisions.

Gepty said both sides have now engaged in discussions across 19 key trade areas, with new engagements for digital trade, government procurement, energy and raw materials, and trade and sustainable development.

The next round of talks is scheduled for October in Manila.