Roque: DTI aims for US tariffs below 10%

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque is open to the proposed extension of trade talks with the United States (US), as the government races to lower the reciprocal tariffs the Philippines is set to face on July 9.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Roque expressed this sentiment on Wednesday, June 18, following her agency’s launch of a new program aimed at addressing the logistical challenges faced by small businesses.

“An extension would be favorable. It would be okay. But, of course, if we really get the tariff lower than 10 percent, why not, right? But, again, everything is under negotiations,” Roque said in a chance interview.

Last week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration could extend trade negotiations with countries that are pursuing deals in “good faith.”

Washington is currently in talks with 17 of its major trading partners, aimed at addressing US President Donald Trump’s concerns about supposedly unfair trade practices. So far, the White House has only struck a deal with the United Kingdom (UK).