The Philippines is seeking to negotiate a lower tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine exports following Washington’s concerns over the importation of goods allegedly produced using forced labor.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Friday that Manila is aiming to reduce the 12.5 percent tariff rate imposed by the US government on Philippine exports.
“We have been in continuous discussion. Technically, 12.5 percent is still much lower than the previous 19 percent, which was scrapped by the US Supreme Court,” Romualdez said in a text message.
He said the Philippines would push for a lower rate, adding that the government is prepared to address concerns involving products linked to forced labor.
“We are going to negotiate on the basis that we will remove the child labor goods from our list of exports if it is proven to be so,” Romualdez said.
The ambassador said Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty is leading the Philippine negotiation team in discussions with US officials.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) announced Friday that the Trump administration would impose tariffs on 60 economies, including the Philippines, over what it described as failures to impose and effectively enforce restrictions against the importation of goods made through forced labor.
Romualdez said the Philippines continues to engage with US authorities to address the issue while protecting the country’s export interests.
The 12.5 percent tariff is lower than the previously announced 19 percent rate, which was later removed following a decision by the US Supreme Court.
Photo courtesy of LA Times
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