Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (left) welcomes European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas during her working visit to the Philippines at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Monday (June 2, 2025). The visit affirms the EU’s commitment to deepening diplomatic ties with the Philippines. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their dedication to advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Makati City alongside visiting EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Manalo emphasized the mutual eagerness to strengthen economic cooperation. Both parties aim to leverage the upcoming FTA to enhance trade and investment ties.
“Both sides remain firmly committed to pushing forward with negotiations. We look forward to the EU and its Member States’ continued support to reach an early conclusion of a comprehensive, balanced, and modern agreement,” Manalo stated.
The Philippines and the EU have completed two rounds of talks, held in October 2024 and February 2025. The next negotiation session is planned for the third week of June in Brussels.
In light of ongoing global trade uncertainties—especially amid recent tariff changes by the United States—the EU Delegation in Manila has expressed a desire to finalize the FTA promptly.
Trade data from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) show a steady growth in bilateral trade between the EU and the Philippines. In 2024, trade volume rose by 3.8 percent, reaching 16.8 billion euros, up from 16.2 billion euros in 2023.
EU imports from the Philippines increased by 3.1 percent to 9.1 billion euros, while exports to the Philippines grew 4.7 percent, totaling 7.7 billion euros.
A significant portion of Philippine exports—valued at 2.2 billion euros—benefited from the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which offers zero tariffs on nearly 7,000 EU product lines. This resulted in a record utilization rate of 80 percent for the Philippines in 2024.
Electronic products continue to dominate Philippine exports to the EU, totaling 6.3 billion euros in value.
