PH buying more US agri to appease Trump

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he is open to shifting the importation of key agricultural goods to the United States (US) from other countries, as part of the government's strategy to reduce the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Philippine goods.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

A delegation of the country's trade and economic officials is in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with their American counterparts to discuss several concerns, including the 17-percent tariffs.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque earlier said the government is open to concessions, including providing greater access to American agricultural exports, to lower the tariffs.

In response, Laurel said he agrees with this strategy, noting that the practical move is to appease one of the Philippines' leading trade partners.