The 19% tariff rate on Philippine exports to the United States, announced following the meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump, is provisional and remains subject to adjustment before the August 1 deadline, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez clarified today.
In a radio interview, Ambassador Romualdez explained that the initial 19% figure represents a starting point in ongoing discussions, emphasizing that the final terms are still being ironed out. He highlighted President Trump’s offer of free importation of American goods into the Philippines as part of the negotiation.
“We are somewhat relaxed because this is not yet the final figure we are discussing,” Romualdez stated. “We’re happy that at least it’s lower than the 20 percent that is being given to almost everybody. But at the same time, we’re also going to look at the details on how we will be able to fine-tune it so that possibly we can lower it.”
The Ambassador confirmed that President Marcos’s economic team, led by Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, is actively coordinating with U.S. trade officials. U.S. government officials are expected to visit the Philippines in the coming days to further discuss and clarify the tariff agreement.
Romualdez also assured that the agricultural sector and Filipino farmers are protected, as agricultural products are not part of the tariff concessions. He clarified that only goods not produced in the Philippines, or produced in very small quantities, are being considered for zero tariffs.
Despite the ongoing tariff discussions, Ambassador Romualdez reiterated the overall success of President Marcos’s three-day official visit to the United States. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties, promoting economic opportunities, and addressing key issues in Philippine-U.S. relations, including trade and investment, defense and security cooperation, and the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
President Trump reportedly praised President Marcos as a “tough negotiator,” a testament to the productive discussions held during the visit. Romualdez also shared President Trump’s sentiments, stating, “I love Filipinos,” and commending the work of Filipino-Americans at his golf club.
The Ambassador stressed that the tariff issue is just one component of the expanding U.S.-Philippine economic agenda, signifying a broader, positive trajectory for economic relations between the two nations.
Regarding the status of undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., Ambassador Romualdez urged them to regularize their status or consider voluntary repatriation if necessary, especially if they have no pending legal issues.
