Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirms key Philippine agricultural goods like rice, corn, and pork will be protected in ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States.
Trade negotiators assured the Department of Agriculture that key local agricultural products, including rice, corn, sugar, chicken, fish and pork will be protected in ongoing tariff discussions with the United States, according to Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
“Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque have assured us that protecting our local producers remains the top priority in these negotiations,” Tiu-Laurel said.
The statement follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that the Philippines had accepted a 19-percent tariff on its exports to the US while granting duty-free access to American goods.
Malacañang has since clarified that the trade agreement is still under negotiation.
Go said the Philippines had not made any concessions that would harm domestic industries. He said any trade deal should balance improved market access with the need to protect Filipino farmers and workers.
The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) earlier welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to personally lead recent trade negotiations with President Trump, calling it a reassuring demonstration of his commitment to the export sector and the broader Philippine economy.
“Many exporters were relieved and appreciative that the President himself took on the responsibility of being the chief negotiator. While the results may not have fully met our expectations in terms of tariff cuts, his involvement sends a strong and comforting signal of his concern for the export community,” PHILEXPORT said in a statement.
The group also acknowledged the joint press briefing led by Roque and Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, which helped clarify the details of the talks.
PHILEXPORT noted that while the new tariff rate of 19 percent remains relatively high, it is still lower than previous levels and likely represents the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
