US President Donald Trump on Tuesday agreed to reduce his previously threatened 20 percent tariff on Philippine imports to 19 percent, following what he described as a “successful” meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos at the White House.
During a joint appearance, Trump called Marcos a “very tough negotiator,” adding, “We’re very close to finishing a trade deal — a big trade deal, actually.”
Shortly after their meeting, Trump announced via his social media platform Truth Social that the Philippines had agreed to a full open-market arrangement for US goods, stating, “It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs.” However, he clarified that a 19 percent tariff would remain on Philippine exports to the US.
Earlier this month, Trump had sent letters to more than two dozen economies, warning of a blanket 20 percent tariff on goods entering the US starting August 1. The current 19 percent levy, while a slight reduction, is still higher than the 17 percent tariff he threatened in April.
In Manila, Philippine Presidential Press Secretary Claire Castro confirmed that some Philippine goods would enjoy zero tariffs in the US, but only in “certain markets,” without detailing which sectors would benefit. She attempted to allay fears, noting that only 16 percent of Philippine exports go to the United States, and most of these — particularly electronics — are not affected by the new tariffs.
“To put it plainly, it has an impact on the country, but not that much,” she told reporters.
At a post-meeting press briefing, President Marcos described the evolving tariff policies as a “living thing,” suggesting the issue could be re-evaluated depending on future global trade shifts.
Despite the trade tensions, the meeting highlighted the deepening defense ties between the two longtime allies. Marcos reiterated the importance of the Philippines’ strategic relationship with the US, especially in light of increasing tensions in the South China Sea.
“All of what we consider part of the modernisation of the Philippine military is really a response to the circumstances that surround the situation in the South China Sea,” Marcos said, standing beside Trump.
“We are essentially concerned with the defense of our territory and the exercise of our sovereign rights,” he added. “Our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States.”
The two leaders did not confirm a finalized trade agreement but suggested negotiations are ongoing, with defense cooperation continuing as a shared priority amid growing regional tensions.
LND/SAE
For 24/7 breaking news:
🌐 English News – www.libertynewsbd.com
🌐 বাংলা সংবাদ – bangla.libertynewsbd.com
📌 Facebook – www.facebook.com/libertynewsbd/
📌 Facebook (বাংলা) – www.facebook.com/libertynewsbangla/
📌 X (Twitter) – www.x.com/libertynewsbd
📌 Instagram – www.instagram.com/libertynewsbd
📌 YouTube – www.youtube.com/@LibertyNewsBD
