Mandaluyong City: Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque stated that the Philippines will not retaliate against the newly imposed 17-percent tariff on certain Philippine goods entering the US market, introduced as part of Trump's 'liberation day'.

According to Philippines News Agency, Roque, speaking to reporters at the National Food Fair in Mandaluyong City, emphasized that the Marcos administration aims to focus on strengthening trade ties with the US, adopting a constructive approach. She remarked, "No, we don't have any of those (retaliation). We just move on a positive note, and we really have more trade between our country and the US."

The Asian Development Bank has previously cautioned that retaliatory measures by developing countries could potentially reduce regional gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.1 percentage point in both 2025 and 2026. Such trade tensions could significantly impact the Philippines, being part of developing Asia.

Roque is set to participate in a virtual meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers on Thursday to deliberate on the bloc's collective response following the enforcement of Trump's tariff order on April 9. "We have a meeting on Thursday with the different ministers of ASEAN, and let's see what we can agree on there, and see what we can do to be able to work hand in hand as ASEAN," Roque stated.

In a Cabinet-level meeting on April 8, the Philippines' economic team agreed to consider the positions of other ASEAN member states before finalizing its response. Roque also mentioned the potential of reducing tariffs on US imports as a gesture of goodwill, with the hope that Washington might reconsider its decision. "This could be an opportunity for both countries to open discussions on a potential free trade agreement that would eliminate certain tariffs and enhance economic cooperation," she added.