For the second time, the same Philippine negotiating team will return to Washington D.C. next week, ahead of the 20 percent tariff implementation set for August 1, to pursue intensive lobbying efforts for the reduction of punitive tariffs on the country’s exports to the U.S.— supposedly its closest ally.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the team—composed of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo—will first meet with and consult domestic industries to formulate their strategy. This will precede their high-stakes meeting with U.S. trade officials, likely led by U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer. Atty. Allan B. Gepty, DTI Undersecretary for the International Trade Policy Group (ITPG), will also join the delegation. Roque and Go serve as the principal negotiators, while Gepty will lead the technical discussions.
Roque expressed concern over the Trump administration’s move in a statement following the July 9, 2025 letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to President Marcos Jr. regarding the U.S. government’s decision to impose a higher 20 percent reciprocal tariff on all Philippine exports—separate from sectoral tariffs.
Apparently disappointed, Roque said, “We are concerned that, notwithstanding our efforts and constant engagements, the US still decided to impose a 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports.”
Roque noted that the previous meeting with Greer “went well” but declined to provide details, citing a non-disclosure agreement. But she expressed optimism that their next round of negotiations will be favorable to the Philippines.
Despite the setback, Roque acknowledged that although the 20 percent tariff is higher than the original 17 percent, it remains the lowest among the countries affected by the new tariffs, and the second lowest in the region.
More importantly, Roque emphasized that as a reliable and strategic economic partner of the U.S. in the region, “the Philippines remains committed to continuing negotiations in good faith to pursue a better and more comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.”
The Philippines recognizes the United States’ concerns about trade imbalances and its aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing. However, Roque pointed out that global supply chains are deeply interconnected, and unilateral trade impositions could have adverse effects on the global economy.
As such, the DTI negotiating team, in consultation with other government agencies, will pursue constructive engagement with their U.S. counterparts to address these trade issues.
