Manila: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go are set to travel to the United States next week to negotiate tariff rates under President Donald Trump's executive order.

According to Philippines News Agency, Roque shared with reporters at the International Franchise Expo 2025 in Pasay City that their official visit to the US is scheduled from April 29 to May 2. The Philippine delegation will engage with the US Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretary of Commerce in Washington, D.C., to discuss potential tariff reductions.

"Our goal in the meeting is to bring down [the tariff rate], and of course, to get what's best for our country," Roque stated. She elaborated that the Philippines might propose an increase in the import volume of US products such as soybeans and other agricultural goods while ensuring that the local agricultural sector remains balanced.

In preparation for the negotiations, Roque and Go conducted a stakeholders' consultation with various industries on Tuesday. Go expressed optimism about reaching "mutually advantageous" tariff arrangements between the two countries.