The Philippines is optimistic about reaching a fairer trade deal with Washington following what officials described as “very positive” talks with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on May 2.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, who led the high-level delegation in Washington, D.C., said the discussions with USTR Jamieson Greer “went very well.”

Go was joined by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
The Philippine delegation sought tariff relief after US President Donald Trump imposed a 17-percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports, a rate currently paused but replaced by a blanket 10-percent tariff for 90 days.

No final deal has been reached, but Go said the discussion signaled renewed momentum in strengthening US-PH trade ties.

“We are hopeful that these discussions mark the beginning of a process toward arrangements from both sides that will not only strengthen US-Philippines trade ties but also help diversify our country’s export markets,” the Marcos administration’s economic czar said.

Go assured that the Philippine delegation prioritized the protection of local industries during the talks, a position echoed by Roque.

He emphasized that protecting local industries remained a top priority throughout the discussions.

“We were able to clearly convey to the USTR our local industries’ asks and concerns and we are hopeful this will yield our desired results,” Roque said.

Earlier, the Philippine envoy based in Washington, D.C. told the Philippine News Agency that the government is optimistic that it “will come up with a good and mutually beneficial agreement.” 

PH EMBASSY PHOTO