DTI mulls new FTA with US ahead of Trump visit in Nov.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is studying possibility of forging a free trade agreement with the United States ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in November.

"We are studying the feasibility of an FTA, as we do regular preparation," Lopez told GMA News Online.

"But it doesn't mean that will be discussed," he said.

The Philippines currently has a Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) arrangement with the world's largest economy, covering over 3,200 products with zero tariffs, the Cabinet official noted.

"We are happy with the current GSP with the US and we are trying to add more sectors," Lopez added.

He said the Philippines is requesting for travel goods such as bags and accessories, as well as automobile tires, telescopic sights, measuring and checking instruments, coconut water, and appliances and machines, fresh mangoes and prepared bananas, onions, garlic, okra, and soy sauce to be covered by the GSP. — VDS, GMA News