Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the Philippines stands to gain from the US tariff adjustments under review, noting that lower tariffs on key local products could open doors for expanded agricultural exports.
Speaking at the sidelines of the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on April 30, 2025, Tiu Laurel said the provisional 17 percent tariff rate, currently paused for three months across sectors, presents a potential advantage for Philippine agriculture and fishery exports like tilapia, bangus and white shrimp.
“Assuming it’s at 17 percent, I think it’s more of an advantage as of the moment. We’re looking at shifting preferences rather than increasing total imports,” Tiu Laurel told reporters.
He said the ongoing trade talks led by Secretary Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, could give the Philippines preferential treatment in markets dominated by other exporters like Brazil, Vietnam and Thailand.
“If we’re able to export our tilapia at 17 percent, while Vietnam faces 35 percent, then our industry will boom,” he said, citing similar opportunities for shrimp and bangus.
Asked about concerns from other industries over possible concessions to the US, Tiu Laurel said it’s too early to pinpoint exact trade-offs, “since it’s hard to assume what the US wants from us at this point.”
“It’s not about increasing imports. We’re just shifting sourcing preferences,” he said, stressing that local producers should not be alarmed.
Tiu Laurel said he remains confident in Go’s handling of the negotiations.
“We have to protect the local industry, but also recognize that the US is one of our biggest trade partners. I trust Secretary Go to get something fair for the Philippines,” he said.
