PH braces for 20% US export levy

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said the government remains “optimistic” about securing a beneficial trade deal with the United States (US), even as President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on Philippine goods to 20 percent.

- BY DEXTER BARRO II and DERCO ROSAL

“Of course we’re always optimistic, and we always look at the brighter side every time we go,” Roque told a press briefing on Thursday, July 10.

While she did not elaborate on the details, the DTI chief said the Marcos administration’s economic team is planning to meet soon to craft the country’s next step in the negotiation process.

Next week, a Philippine delegation featuring the country’s economic team will visit the US to hold negotiations with their American counterparts. This will feature Roque, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go, and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo.

The aim of the meeting is to pursue a “more comprehensive bilateral trade agreement” aimed at fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Roque said the government is banking on the enduring trade relationship with the US to get the best possible deal.

The upcoming dialogue will be the second face-to-face meeting of Philippine and US officials on tariffs.