Business group pushes for PHL-US free trade talks

Business group Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is calling for accelerated negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the US amid the latter's move to impose a higher tariff on the country's exports.

- Louella Desiderio

The group is also pushing for stricter implementation of anti-dumping and anti-smuggling measures to safeguard local industries.

"The FFCCCII expresses grave concern regarding the US' imposition of additional punitive tariffs on Philippine exports. Such unilateral measures violate fundamental WTO (World Trade Organization) principles of non-discrimination and fair trade," FFCCCII president Victor Lim said in a statement yesterday.

Philippine goods entering the US will be slapped with a 20 percent tariff starting Aug. 1. This is higher than the 17 percent duty announced by US President Donald Trump in April and double the 10 percent levy imposed on Philippine exports during the tariff pause.