The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Friday expressed grave concern over the United States’ imposition of additional punitive tariffs on Philippine exports.
“Such unilateral measures violate fundamental WTO principles of non-discrimination and fair trade,” FFCCCII president Victor Lim said in a statement.
He said the US measures threatened to disrupt carefully developed supply chains, harm businesses and consumers in both nations, undermine the rules-based global trading system and set dangerous precedents for economic fragmentation.
The FFCCCII said it supported government efforts to use diplomacy to negotiate fairness and protect Philippine national interests and the economy.
“We urgently call for strict enforcement of anti-dumping regulations against a flood of unfairly priced imports; comprehensive measures to combat smuggling; and support mechanisms for affected agricultural and manufacturing sectors,” it said.
“Our domestic industries require and deserve a level playing field in global markets. Protect our workers and farmers,” Lim said.
Instead of counterproductive tariffs, the FFCCCII proposed immediate bilateral consultations to resolve trade concerns, accelerated negotiations for a U.S.-Philippines free trade agreement, strengthened multilateral engagement through WTO mechanisms and cooperative solutions that promote stability and shared prosperity.
“The FFCCCII remains committed to advocating for fair trade practices and sustainable economic partnerships that benefit all stakeholders,” it said.
