Phl hopes to bring down US tariffs

Gov't urged to address non-tariff barriers

- Louella Desiderio

While the country's largest business group welcomed the recent reduction in the US tariff on Philippine goods, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the government to address non-tariff barriers and pursue tariff relief measures.

"For now, since it was already announced by President Trump, then it's final. But of course, we're really hoping we can bring it down," Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the opening of the National Trade Fair.

Trump announced earlier this week that Philippine exports will have a 19-percent tariff, following a meeting with President Marcos in Washington.

While slightly lower than the 20 percent tariff that was supposed to be slapped on Philippine exports to the US starting Aug. 1, the new rate is higher than the 17 percent levy announced in April.

Roque said the US was asking for zero tariff for all American goods entering the Philippines.