Kuala lumpur: The Philippines is continuing negotiations with the United States to secure tariff exemptions for several major exports, Malacanang said Monday. Speaking on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized the country's aim to safeguard products such as coconuts and semiconductors.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted that there are comprehensive issues related to trade rules and regulations, as well as non-tariff measures like services and investments. The Philippines is keen on protecting agricultural products such as coconuts, pineapples, sugar, cocoa, and electronic products. Castro noted that some of these trade concerns require careful negotiations and cannot be rushed.
The US government has imposed hefty tariffs on countries, including ASEAN members, with rates reaching as high as 40 percent on some bloc members. Since August 7, 2025, Philippine exports to the US have been subject to a 19 percent tariff, a slight reduction from the initially announced 20 percent under the Trump administration.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro previously stated that these reciprocal tariffs still present opportunities for ASEAN to encourage increased trade within the region. Discussions to boost intra-ASEAN trade are currently ongoing at the 47th ASEAN Summit, including efforts to enhance free trade areas with dialogue partners such as China.
On the sidelines of the high-level gathering in Kuala Lumpur, President Donald Trump signed reciprocal trade agreements with his Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian, and Vietnamese counterparts.
