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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines-US FTA not possible in next few years — US senator

Philippines-US FTA not possible in next few years — US senator

Published May 31, 2024 02:48 pm

​A free trade agreement between the Philippines and the United States may not yet be possible in the immediate future.

US Senator Chris Coons, who is visiting Manila, said Friday, May 31, it is not because the US government is reluctant to do so, but because of strong opposition coming from American lawmakers.

And it is not only an FTA with the Philippines, but also with other countries.

"Our politics generally around trade have become more protectionist. Our past president was probably the most protectionist in a hundred years and it has really changed some of the dynamics around free trade in the United States Congress,” Coons said.

"This has almost nothing to do with the Philippines. It has to do with domestic politics in the United States," he added.

Coons said there is "deep resentment" against free trade pacts as millions of Americans have lost their jobs in manufacturing due to Chinese competition.

"So, popular sentiment or perception needs to catch up to the changes in our economy today,” he said.

Coons, who shared voting for free trade agreements in the past, said he is hoping that the upcoming US elections "will show what direction" Washington will have.

Coons hopes the outcome of the upcoming US presidential and congressional elections “will show what direction” they would follow.

"I don't think we will see an FTA advance with any country in the world in the next few years," he said.

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