Government and industry leaders in the Philippines have expressed confidence that the country’s proposed trade deal with the US will boost food supply while shielding vital domestic agricultural sector from harm.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr said that Special Assistant to the President Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque assured him that the country’s negotiating priority is protecting locally produced staples—including chicken, pork, corn, rice, fish, and sugar.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc (PCAFI), which represents 48 agri-fisheries group, welcomed this assurance, commending the administration for preserving tariffs and safeguards on critical local industries.
Clarifications on tariffs and market access
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a revised 19% tariff for Philippine exports entering the US, down from the previously proposed 20%. He also suggested that the Philippines would eliminate tariffs on American goods under an “open market.”
However, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos clarified that this would only apply to limited sectors such as automobiles.
PCAFI noted that Philippine concessions were limited to soy and wheat, which are not produced locally and already among the top agricultural imports. It said these imports could result in lower feed costs for poultry and livestock producers.
Industry caution and competitive advantage
While PCAFI called the 19% US tariff rate a “positive development,” it expressed hope for further reductions to support Filipino agricultural exporters.
The group highlighted that the Philippines now holds the second-lowest tariff rate among Southeast Asian exporters of similar goods, offering a competitive edge over neighbors such as Vietnam and Indonesia.
PCAFI added that it will remain vigilant in the ongoing trade negotiations since the final deal still has to be finalized.
Protection vs opportunity
Safeguarding local producers and livelihoods remains a shred priority across the government and agriculture sector.
The Department of Agriculture continues to back trade initiatives that strengthen food security and stabilize prices. However, key industries must continue to receive adequate protection.