The Philippines is set to gain broader market access, stronger supply chain links and improved trade facilitation following the signing of two landmark agreements on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit on Oct. 25, 2025.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade protocol and the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) would help advance sustainable and resilient regional trade.
Under the ACFTA 3.0, ASEAN and China will deepen cooperation in digital, green and sustainable trade through streamlined customs procedures, harmonized standards and greater transparency in trade measures.
The agreement, which updates the 2002 framework implemented in 2010, also introduces stronger consumer protection rules to foster fair competition and product safety.
The upgraded deal is expected to benefit Filipino enterprises and consumers by strengthening trust in e-commerce and cross-border transactions through transparent and accountable practices, while expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to spur regional innovation.
Meanwhile, the ATIGA second protocol modernizes ASEAN’s core framework for the free flow of goods within the region.
It introduces new provisions on remanufactured goods, trade and the environment, supply-chain connectivity and trade during humanitarian crises.
The agreement also enhances transparency and establishes faster, more practical mechanisms for resolving trade issues, which are expected to boost logistics and market efficiency in the Philippines, particularly during emergencies.
The new Trade in Crisis Situations (TICS) provisions allow the use of scanned trade documents for essential goods such as food, medicine and relief items, expediting deliveries and ensuring member states can swiftly meet regional needs.
ATIGA also broadens cooperation on remanufactured goods and environmental sustainability, in line with ASEAN’s agenda to promote circular economy practices while creating new trade opportunities.
Roque said the upgraded agreements make regional commerce more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people, especially in times of crisis.
“These milestones show how ASEAN cooperation can directly benefit our people. By modernizing trade rules, promoting fair competition, and improving the movement of goods even during emergencies, we can build an inclusive regional economy that supports growth, stability, and opportunity for all,” Roque said.
