The Philippines is taking a wait-and-see approach on the 10-percent baseline tariff as a 90-day reprieve granted by the United States nears its expiration on July 9, 2025.
“We don’t know yet what the decision of the US will be, but of course, we’re waiting for that,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Wednesday.
“Once we get the update, we will inform the Filipino people because this is very important for our country,” she said.
Roque acknowledged reports that US President Donald Trump had expressed openness to extending trade deadlines for participating countries but clarified that no official decision had been made.
The Philippines submitted its own set of proposals to US trade negotiators, she said, but could not disclose specifics due to a signed non-disclosure agreement.
“For now, the tariff is at 10 percent, which is already better than the previous 17 percent,” Roque said.
“If an extension maintains the 10-percent rate, that would still be favorable. But of course, if we can get something even lower, why not?” she said.
Roque said while other countries have engaged the US in multiple rounds of talks, she confirmed the Philippines was unlikely to enter a second round of negotiations, saying all proposals had already been formally submitted.
“We have no control over what the US will decide. We only have control over our position,” she said.
“Until they release the verdict, it’s all wait and see,” said Roque.
