PH pushes tariff exemptions for key exports in talks with US

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

The US government slapped hefty tariffs on countries, including members of ASEAN, with rates reaching as high as 40 percent on some bloc members. (PCO photo)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Philippines is continuing negotiations with the United States to secure tariff exemptions for several major exports, Malacanang said Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the country wants to ensure that products such as coconuts and semiconductors remain protected.

“May mga issues kasi na maaari nating sabihing komprehensibo na patungkol sa trade rules and regulations at pati na ang mga non-tariff measures like ‘yong services at investments (We have issues that we can say are comprehensive in nature in relation to trade rules and regulations as well as non-tariff measures like services and investments),” she said.

“At nandoon kasi ‘yong mga issues patungkol sa gusto na protektahan ng bansa natin — ‘yong mga agricultural products katulad ng coconuts, pineapple, sugar, cocoa, electronic products (And we also have issues related to what the country wants to protect –agricultural products such as coconuts, pineapple, sugar, cocoa, electronic products).”

Some of these trade concerns, Castro said, require careful negotiations and cannot be rushed.

“So, nandoon pa rin ang pakikipag-usap para ‘yong mga ibang produkto natin ay hindi naman maapektuhan (So, talks continue so that our other products won’t be affected),” she said.

The US government slapped hefty tariffs on countries, including members of ASEAN, with rates reaching as high as 40 percent on some bloc members.

Since Aug. 7, 2025, Philippine exports to the US have been subject to a 19 percent tariff, slightly reduced from the initially announced 20 percent under the Trump administration.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro previously said these reciprocal tariffs still present opportunities for ASEAN to encourage increased trade within the region.

Discussions to boost intra-ASEAN trade are currently ongoing in the 47th ASEAN Summit, including through the enhancement of free trade areas with dialogue partners such as China.

On the sidelines of the high-level gathering in Kuala Lumpur, President Donald Trump signed reciprocal trade agreements with his Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian, and Vietnamese counterparts.