Washington d.c.: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. defended the Philippines' new trade arrangement with the United States, emphasizing the reduction of the tariff on Philippine exports from the proposed 20 percent to 19 percent as a 'significant achievement,' despite questions regarding its fairness.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the importance of the one percent reduction, stating that while it might appear minimal, in practical terms it represents a substantial achievement. This statement was made during a press briefing following his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday (Manila time).

The President further explained that the new trade agreement opens significant Philippine markets to American products, including vehicles, agricultural goods, and pharmaceuticals. He assured that this arrangement would benefit Filipinos through reduced prices and strengthened bilateral trade.

Marcos acknowledged that the 19 percent tariff on Philippine goods is still significant but viewed it as progress in trade relations with Washington D.C., setting a foundation for future negotiations. He mentioned that this agreement serves as a template for upcoming discussions aimed at refining the terms.

The United States continues to be the top export destination for the Philippines, with USD 1.1 billion in goods exported in May 2025, accounting for 15.3 percent of the country's total exports.