Washington DC: A high-level economic delegation from the Philippines recently met with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington DC, marking a significant step in discussions over the 17 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump. The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC announced the meeting on Saturday, describing the talks as 'productive' and 'positive'.
According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting aimed to address the paused tariffs and explore ways to strengthen the trade relationship between the two nations. The Philippine government is keen on negotiating these tariffs to improve economic ties and benefit both economies. The discussions emphasized the complementary nature of the Philippine and US economies and the strategic importance of their alliance.
Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, refrained from disclosing specific details but expressed optimism about reaching a beneficial agreement. "We cannot discuss details for now. We are confident both countries will come up with a good and mutually beneficial agreement," Romualdez communicated via a text message to the Philippine News Agency. He also indicated that further talks might occur, stating, "We will wait for the next steps to be taken."
The Philippine delegation was spearheaded by key figures, including Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Romualdez himself. Both parties expressed optimism regarding the future of trade and investment relations, highlighting the significance of 'economic security and fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade.'
The embassy reported a 'positive outcome' from the discussions and stressed the need for a robust economic and strategic partnership. Prior to the meeting, Trade Secretary Roque expressed Manila's aspiration to negotiate down to a 'zero tariff' on Philippine goods, aligning with ongoing efforts to mitigate trade tensions.
President Trump's administration had previously announced a temporary pause on the higher tariffs, which began on April 9, although a 10 percent duty still applies broadly to trading partners. The meeting between the Philippine delegation and the US Trade Representative marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to resolve trade issues and enhance bilateral economic cooperation.
