Trump Pledges Minor Cut to Philippine Tariffs
US President Trump and Filipino Leader Marcos Jr forge trade and defense alliance
Trade deal takes shape amid tariff uncertainty
After a photo‑op in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump announced a modest reduction in the Philippines’ tariff barrier. The new rate stands at 19 percent, a slight lift from the 17 percent pressure that Trump applied in April.
- The Philippines will allow unrestricted U.S. goods, but tariffs on high‑tech products and apparel remain at 19 percent.
- Trump described the visit as “beautiful” and stated the deal brings “ZERO tariffs” to the Philippines.
- Two dozen other economies faced a threat of a 20 percent tariff as Trump warned of a sweeping global trade hit.
Defense cooperation deepens
Marcos Jr emphasized the modernization of the Philippine military as a response to tensions in the South China Sea. The U.S. has already stationed ground‑launched missiles in the Philippines and maintained a joint focus on ammunition production. The military partnership grew stronger after the 2022 election of Marcos, a period when the Philippines had leaned toward China.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty on Monday.
- Trump repeatedly criticized former Democratic leaders for their spending and cooperation. He praised the Philippines for avoiding a tilt toward China.
U.S. visits China likely on future visits
Trump expressed openness to a future visit to China at Xi Jinping’s invitation. He said the Philippine relationship is “not a problem” because the United States is “getting along with China very well.”
- Trump highlighted that the Philippines had been “tilting toward China” but was “untilted quickly.”
- He credited himself with the country’s strategic shift, while noting that the Philippines had been “maybe tilting toward China” before the 2022 Marcos election.
Philippines faces international legal challenges
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is under investigation for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. The charges relate to a broad crackdown on drug users and dealers that rights groups argue killed thousands.
