The United States has granted zero-tariff access to the majority of Philippine agricultural exports, a major trade relief that benefits over $1 billion worth of goods traded in 2024. The exemption follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, officials announced Monday.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go confirmed that the US order specifically exempts agricultural products that are “not grown or produced” within the United States from a previously implemented reciprocal tariff. Go described the development as “good news… good for the country, it’s good for the farmers.”
The move effectively allows a wide range of Filipino food products to enter the US market duty-free.
Products now enjoying the tariff exemption include key commodities such as coconut copra oil, coconut water, desiccated coconut, fruit juices, processed pineapples, confectionary goods, fresh and processed bananas, tuna fillets, and dried fruits.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque stated that the exemption provides crucial support to the local agri-industry.
“The exemption helps protect livelihoods, preserve jobs across our agricultural value chain, and creates opportunities for communities that rely heavily on exports,” Roque said. She added that the tariff waiver is expected to boost demand and stabilize prices for the exempted goods.
The new order means that 46 percent of the Philippines’ total exports to the US are now exempted from the reciprocal tariff. The semiconductor industry had previously received an exemption. Other exports not covered by the waiver remain subject to a 19 percent tariff.
Philippine trade officials noted they are actively working on achieving exemptions for remaining products and are focusing on industry competitiveness, particularly for the coconut sector—the country’s biggest agricultural export to the US.
While officials said a free trade agreement with the US is not imminent, they are pursuing FTAs with other partners, including the European Union, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates
