Roque, Go to Visit US Next Week for Tariff Talks

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go are set to visit the United States next week for negotiations to bring down the reciprocal tariff imposed on Philippine exports.

- By Louella Desiderio

Roque told reporters during the opening of the International Franchise Expo 2025 last Friday that they would be meeting with the US Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce during the trip to Washington from April 29 to May 2.

"Of course, our goal in the meeting is to bring down (the tariff), to get what's best for our country," she said.

Roque said the aim is for the country to enjoy tariffs that are lower than its Southeast Asian neighbors.

"Once our tariff is lower than our neighboring countries, then that gives us an edge in terms of business with the US," she said.