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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH to pursue trade talks, wider reforms amid 20% US tariff — Go

PH to pursue trade talks, wider reforms amid 20% US tariff — Go

Published Jul 13, 2025 08:29 am  |  Updated Jul 13, 2025 01:03 pm

At A Glance

  • Go said the Marcos administration is working to keep the country competitive and investor-friendly while navigating the impact of the new US tariff.
The Philippines remains committed to economic reform and expanding trade partnerships with other countries despite Washington’s move to impose a 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports starting Aug. 1, a Palace official said.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go (RTVM)
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go (RTVM)
In a press briefing, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go said the Marcos administration is working to keep the country competitive and investor-friendly while navigating the impact of the new US tariff.
“The economic team, the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), will continue to advance key economic reforms to sustain a competitive and investor-friendly business environment,” he said
“[We will] try to build more trade relationships with other countries all over the world to create more market opportunities for our business enterprises dito po sa Pilipinas (here in the Philippines),” he added.
Go earlier announced that he and other members of the economic team will fly to Washington this week for face-to-face talks with officials of the US Trade Representative (USTR).
President Marcos is also set to visit Washington from July 20 to 22.
Go has described the US move as “a concern” for the Philippines, but noted that many top exports such as semiconductors remain exempt from the tariff.
He also emphasized that the long-term objective is to secure a bilateral comprehensive economic agreement or free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.
While the team will continue to negotiate to lower the reciprocal tariff, Go said the greater priority is securing a full-fledged trade deal that will allow the Philippines to negotiate zero-duty access for critical sectors, such as coconut products.
The US remains one of the Philippines’ top export destinations, accounting for $12.14 billion or 17 percent of total merchandise exports in 2024, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

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Frederick Go US tariffs PH-US
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