PH, US trade ties 'business as usual' so far despite Trump's reciprocal tariffs — DTI

Trade relations between the Philippines and the United States is on status quo despite US President Donald Trump’s upcoming “reciprocal tariffs” trade policy, which he will be announcing next month.

On the sidelines of the Asia CEO Forum in Pasay City on Thursday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque was asked how the country prepares for Trump’s fresh round of tariffs, which was reported to be targeted on countries that have significant trade imbalances with the US.

“For now, we don't have any information yet so it is business as usual,” Roque said.

“I have already set a meeting with my counterparts, I am just waiting for the schedule of the meeting... but for now, business as usual,” she added.

The Trade chief expressed confidence that the Philippines will not be affected by Trump’s trade policy “as we are allies.”

“Our trade deficit with them is very minimal so it is not something that we can worry about for now,” Roque said.

Data from the Office of the United States Trade Representative showed that the US goods trade deficit with the Philippines stood at $4.9 billion in 2024, up 21.8% from 2023.

Meanwhile, America’s total goods trade with the Philippines amounted to about  $23.5 billion in 2024, with US goods exports to Philippines amounting to $9.3 billion, up 0.4% while goods imports totaling $14.2 billion.

“We will just continue what we are doing. look at the positive side and continue to grow, level up and find avenues to excel in what we do,” Roque said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News