Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said that Philippine trade negotiators have assured him that key locally-produced agricultural goods such as rice, corn, sugar, chicken, fish, and pork will be protected in the ongoing tariff negotiations with the US.
In a statement: “Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque have assured us that the top priority for Philippine trade negotiators is protecting our local producers,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
President Donald Trump had announced that the Philippines has agreed to a 19 percent tariff on its exports to the US, while granting duty-free access to American goods entering the country.
However, Malacañang quickly clarified that a final trade agreement is still being hammered out by trade negotiators.
Secretary Go, Special Assistant to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for Investment and Economic Affairs, assured the Philippines has not made any concessions that would harm local producers. Go’s remarks come amid growing concern over the potential impact of a tariff deal on key Philippine industries.
Secretary Go has maintained that any trade agreement must strike a balance between improving market access and safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino workers and farmers.
