The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Thursday it will dispatch a Philippine delegation to the United States next week for high-level trade talks, after Washington opted to raise the reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports to 20 percent starting August 1.
The move comes despite ongoing negotiations, with Manila expressing concern over the imposition, calling it “disheartening” given recent bilateral engagements.
The DTI said that while the 20 percent rate — higher than the 17 percent originally planned — is the second-lowest among tariffs levied by the US on the region, it still signals challenges for Philippine trade.
The DTI emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to advancing economic reforms and broadening market access through diversified partnerships. It also reaffirmed its role as a strategic and reliable Indo-Pacific economic partner.
“We respect the US’ concerns about trade imbalances and domestic manufacturing,” the DTI said, “but global supply chains are deeply interconnected, and unilateral measures could harm the global economy. Constructive engagement is key.”
The upcoming discussions aim to seek a fairer and more comprehensive trade agreement that sustains mutual benefits amid shifting global economic dynamics, the DTI said.
