MANILA — The Philippine government will continue negotiations with the United States after Washington imposed an additional 12.5-percent tariff on Philippine exports over concerns about the country’s enforcement of restrictions on goods allegedly produced through forced labor, prompting Manila to defend its labor safeguards while seeking to limit the measure’s impact on trade.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government respects the US decision but stressed that the Philippines has existing policies prohibiting forced labor and remains committed to strengthening their implementation.
“We take note of the US decision and respect its processes. During the review, however, we emphasized that the Philippines has a strong policy against forced labor,” Castro said.
Castro cited a Joint Administrative Order signed this week by the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Finance (DOF), and Labor and Employment (DOLE), establishing a coordinated mechanism to prevent the entry into the Philippine market of goods produced through forced labor.
She said the government will sustain its engagement with US authorities while evaluating the implications of the new tariff, including the scope of exemptions granted under the measure.
“We will continue engaging with the US while reviewing the coverage of the exemptions and their impact on Philippine exports,” she said.
The additional tariff was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following its review of the Philippines’ compliance with US policies on forced labor.
The Philippines was among the 60 largest US trading partners reviewed by the USTR, which concluded that the country “has failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition.”
Despite the tariff, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to maintaining strong economic relations with the United States, emphasizing the importance of preserving stable bilateral trade.
Roque said Philippine exports continue to support American industries, particularly in critical sectors.
“This is especially true since Philippine exports to the United States, particularly in electronics, semiconductors, and key agricultural products, support US supply-chain stability,” she said./PN
