(April 7): The Philippines is considering reducing tariffs on US products in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping levies, including a 17% tariff on Manila’s goods, its trade chief said.

“We are really going to do that,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters on Monday, when asked whether the government plans to cut tariffs on imports from the US. She said government economic officials will soon meet to discuss which products will be covered.

The Philippines is also looking at joining a potential collective response on the US tariffs by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), of which it is a member, Roque said.

This is the first time Manila signalled its intention to seek a compromise with the Trump administration, days after he announced the higher tariffs that have roiled markets and fanned fears of a global recession.

Roque on April 4 said the Philippines is planning to capitalise on the tariffs that are lower than its Asian neighbours, and aims to ship more semiconductors, coconut and mango products to the US. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto last week said the Philippines could expand its share of the US market for garment exports, with major competitors like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mexico, and India facing higher levies.

Roque reiterated on Monday that she had signified her intention to meet with her US counterpart, and is waiting for a schedule.

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