Exporters raise concerns, seek more gov't support

AMID TARIFF WOES

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

During an online forum organized by the Philippine Manufacturing Team, Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines executive director Maritess Jocson-Agoncillo said the group is pushing for sectoral negotiations with the US, which is exposed to high tariffs and governed by the rules of origin regime.

She said the average tariffs on Philippine travel goods range from eight to 20 percent, while tariffs on apparel are between 15 and 32 percent.

For footwear exports from the Philippines, the average tariffs range from 15 to 37.5 percent.

"If the garment, apparel sector would be negotiated by the US on a sectoral basis, then we stand a chance to benefit from this," Agoncillo said.

She said the industry could also benefit from the country's geographic location, as neighbors Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, which also export footwear and apparel, could face US non-tariff barriers due to concerns on potential movement of Chinese goods through their borders.

"If we really get favored, it's an inflection point," Agoncillo said.

Prior to the 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs and lowering of the levy to 10 percent for most countries, the US imposed a 17-percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports, the second lowest in Southeast Asia.