Former Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba urged the government to adopt a more assertive trade strategy in response to rising global protectionism, particularly from the US.
Aldaba, speaking at the “Navigating a New Era of Reciprocal Tariffs” forum organized by the Philippine manufacturing team on May 9, warned against the risks of the Philippines’ current liberal trade stance and stressed the need to protect local industries.
Aldaba said many Filipino exports face increasing barriers abroad, including the 17-percent tariff imposed by the US on select Philippine goods, vis-à-vis the country’s low tariffs on imports, creating an imbalance that weakens local industries and undermines efforts to boost manufacturing and value-added production.
Calling for a shift from the traditional liberal trade model, Aldaba advocated for a more flexible, interest-based approach, particularly on policy space that allows reciprocal actions and a comprehensive overhaul of industrial policies.
