Manila: The Philippine government has signaled its 'strong intent' for a strategic economic alignment with the United States amid global challenges during the visit of a bipartisan US Congressional Delegation to Manila. In a meeting with US Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware), and Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said Manila is open to forge 'deeper engagement' with the US as a 'strategic economic partner' in an increasingly complex global environment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the engagement served as a strong signal of intent that the Philippines is ready to pursue strategic alignment with the United States as a pathway to greater economic security, innovation-led development, and mutual prosperity. This meeting marks the first visit of a US Congressional Delegation under the new Trump administration. Key Philippine officials present included Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
Roque emphasized Manila's interest in bolstering cooperation in critical sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, transport modernization, and fiscal sustainability. In 2024, the US imported USD14.2 billion from the Philippines, a 6.9 percent increase from the 2023 level, while exports to the Philippines reached USD9.3 billion during the same year.
The DTI highlighted that the US accounted for 17 percent of Philippine exports in 2024. Key imports from the Philippines include semiconductor devices, computer peripherals, automobile parts, electric machinery, textiles and garments, wheat and animal feeds, coconut oil, and information technology/business process outsourcing services. Conversely, the US exports agricultural goods, machinery, cereals, and raw and semi-processed materials for the manufacture of semiconductors, electronics, and transport equipment.
The landmark 123 Agreement, or the US-Philippines Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy signed in 2023, also entered into force last year. It allows for the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the two states.
