Trade Secretary Cristina Roque (4th from left) discusses the prospects of a stronger US-Philippine trade relations during a meeting with visiting US Senators Pete Ricketts, Chris Coons, and Ted Budd on Tuesday (April 15, 2025). Also present during a high-level meeting in Manila are Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. (Photo courtesy of DTI)
The Philippine government has expressed a strong commitment to strengthening strategic economic ties with the United States during the visit of a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation to Manila.
In a meeting held Tuesday with U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the Philippines’ openness to deeper engagement with the U.S. as a key economic partner in today’s increasingly complex global landscape.
“This meeting was more than just a diplomatic formality—it was a clear signal of intent,” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement released April 16. “The Philippines is ready to align strategically with the United States in pursuit of economic security, innovation-driven growth, and shared prosperity.”
The visit marks the first official U.S. congressional delegation to the Philippines under the new Trump administration. Also in attendance were key Cabinet officials including Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
Secretary Roque underscored the Philippines’ interest in expanding cooperation in several critical areas—such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, transport modernization, and fiscal sustainability.
In 2024, U.S. imports from the Philippines reached $14.2 billion, a 6.9% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, U.S. exports to the Philippines totaled $9.3 billion. The U.S. accounted for 17% of Philippine exports last year, according to the DTI.
Major Philippine exports to the U.S. include semiconductors, computer peripherals, auto parts, electrical machinery, garments, coconut oil, and IT/business process outsourcing services. In return, the U.S. exports agricultural goods, machinery, cereals, and materials for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, as well as transport equipment.
A key milestone in U.S.-Philippine relations, the 123 Agreement—signed in 2023—officially took effect last year. The agreement enables the direct transfer of nuclear materials, technology, and components between the two countries for peaceful energy cooperation.
