Enhancing market access for certain American goods that are not produced in the Philippines could help reduce costs for domestic industries without posing a risk to local producers, according to the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI).

The FPI, the umbrella organization representing domestic manufacturers and producers, stated that such an ideal scenario could materialize if the government successfully negotiates a beneficial trade agreement with the United States (US).

“At the end of the day, we all want growth—but it has to be balanced, fair, and locally anchored,” the group said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump earlier announced that he will reduce the 20 percent tariffs he threatened against the Philippines down to 19 percent.

In exchange, Trump claimed that President Marcos, whom he met in the White House, offered to slash the Philippines’ tariffs on American imports from 32 percent to zero.

Marcos has since clarified that only certain American markets will be exempt from tariffs. However, he also said that the country will expand its importation of certain agricultural goods and pharmaceutical products from the US.

Allaying fears from local industries, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque made it clear that the government will continue to protect domestic agricultural and manufacturing industries.

“They are not included in our concessions,” she stressed.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go echoed this sentiment, noting that the products Marcos offered to import more of are not produced locally.

The FPI said it welcomes Roque and Go’s statement that local agricultural and manufacturing sectors will not be part of the tariff concessions.

“They’ve also made it clear that the imports getting zero-tariff treatment are mostly critical materials we don’t make here, like inputs for healthcare,” the industry group said.

“That’s a strong step toward protecting our own industries,” it added.

To ensure that manufacturers and producers are protected, the FPI recommends that the government conduct consultations with industry stakeholders to hear their concerns.

It likewise requested a transparent disclosure of products covered by the trade agreement with the US to “help mitigate potential adverse impacts.”

“These measures may also support the timely activation of appropriate safeguard mechanisms for sectors at risk,” the group said.

“Still, it’s early days. As both secretaries mentioned, the details of the deal aren’t final yet,” it added.

While negotiations are still ongoing, the FPI said it is willing to collaborate with the government to ensure that the move to enhance market access for certain products does not compromise national industrial resilience.