The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) welcomes the Executive Order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump on 14 November 2025 exempting key Philippine agricultural exports from the 19% reciprocal tariff. Products include coconut, coffee, tea, tropical fruits and juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and certain fertilizers, providing exporters with critical relief and strengthening the competitiveness of Philippine exports in the United States.
Philippine exports of coconuts, pineapples, bananas, and mangoes are now exempt from the 19% U.S. reciprocal tariffs. This is expected to improve demand, stabilize prices, and directly benefit exporters, farmers, and rural communities across the Philippines.
“This is a positive outcome of our sustained collaboration and engagements with key stakeholders and partners to convey the need for certain exemptions and maintain the competitiveness of Philippine exports, especially those products not locally produced in the U.S.,” said Dr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of PHILEXPORT.
Following this development, the majority of Philippine agricultural exports to the U.S. will benefit from more favorable tariff conditions. Based on 2024 data, these products include:
- Coconut (copra) oil, both crude and other than crude – the country’s top agricultural export to the U.S.
- Fruit juices
- Processed pineapples
- Desiccated coconuts
- Prepared or preserved coconuts
- Bananas, other than pulp
- Dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteen
- Frozen tuna fillets
- Rice wafer products
- Confectionery products
Other agricultural exports now exempted include coffee and tea, cocoa and spices, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and selected fertilizers.
As of 2024, the U.S. is the Philippines’ third-largest trading partner, the top export market, and the fifth-largest import supplier, with bilateral trade totaling USD 20.3 billion. In addition to the said agricultural products, semiconductor shipments valued at USD 2.5 to 3 billion remain exempted from reciprocal tariffs.
“PHILEXPORT remains committed to working with the Department of Trade and Industry to strengthen U.S. trade relations and bolster the competitiveness of Filipino exporters,” said Ortiz-Luis.
