PH, US conclude trade talks, set stage for deeper economic ties
The Philippines and the United States concluded on a “constructive and positive note” their trade talks amid the US’ imposition of reciprocal tariffs on Philippine goods.
Philippine Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Frederick Go (right), engages US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (center) in discussions on potential arrangements to strengthen US-Philippines trade ties and support the growth of homegrown industries, during a recent meeting held in Washington. Listening in is Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque (left). (Photo from OSAPIEA)
In a statement, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said the talks “went very well” as the interests of the local industries remained the focus of the discussions.
Go, who led the Philippine delegation, is hopeful that the trade talks will lead to a stronger trade relations between Manila and Washington.
“We made sure to put the welfare of Philippine local industries at the center of our negotiations. We are hopeful that these discussions mark the beginning of a process toward arrangements from both sides that will not only strengthen US-Philippines trade ties but also help diversify our country’s export markets,” he shared.
“Our goal for this meeting is a partnership that benefits both sides and supports the growth of our industries at home,” Go added.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque echoed Go’s observation.
“We were able to clearly convey to the USTR (US Trade Representative) our local industries’ asks and concerns and we are hopeful this will yield our desired results,” she said.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez also posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the meeting that “discussed concrete steps to advance a mutually beneficial PH-US economic partnership.”
“We continue to spread the word that (the Philippines) is open for business,” the envoy wrote.
The comprehensive dialogue was born from concerns arising from US President Donald Trump’s 17 percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports, which is currently the second lowest in Southeast Asia.
While the country-specific reciprocal tariffs are currently suspended, except for China, until July 8, it’s bound to affect industries across the country once it becomes effective.
The Philippine delegation was composed of Go, Roque, and Romualdez, while the US was represented by US Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer.
During the meeting, the Philippines officials presented how the reciprocal tariffs present opportunities and challenges for various Philippine export products.