THE chief of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) has downplayed the impact of a 17-percent tariff to be imposed on the country's exports to the United States, saying this could instead spur negotiations that could lead to a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). "I don't think it will hurt FTA prospects. In fact, this could be a prelude to negotiations," Philexport President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. told The Manila Times. "The reality is, we are not a major supplier to the US and they have a small trade deficit with us. That's why the tariff imposed on us isn't as high as those on other countries," he added. Ortiz-Luis said that Philippine exporters could afford to adjust their prices and still maintain market share in the US, whereas those in other countries levied substantially higher tariffs may end up being priced out. https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/07/business/top-business/philexport-tariffs-could-lead-to-fta/2087279 (ICE SINGAPORE)

Fonte notizia: The Manila Times, 7 April 2025