Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Thursday that the imposed 19% tariff rate on Philippine exports to the U.S. is "still under negotiations," emphasizing that the public should view the matter in the broader context of ongoing bilateral talks between the two countries.
"So itong, gusto ko lang ulitin na itong umpisa na 19%, nasa negotiation stage pa rin yan. Yung announcement na just to really give an indication," Romualdez stated in an interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos.
The proposed tariff rate emerged following a high-level meeting between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House earlier last week.
While the announcement sparked concern from several sectors, Romualdez stressed that the number is not final and that both governments are still ironing out the details before the August 1 deadline.
"Remember, we have until August 1 to finalize everything dahil yung usapan na yan on the level of President Trump at President Marcos," he said.
“Kailangan tingnan natin yung overall, yung pinag-usapan sa White House ni President Marcos at President Trump. Hindi lang naman yung tarif,” Romualdez said.
He further explained that the initial 1% proposal was an opening statement that hinted at the broader agenda.
“Yung 1% na ‘yan ay parang padaplis lang yan,” the Ambassador added.
Romualdez said Trump’s early announcement of the 19% figure on Trump's social media platform was not reflective of a finalized agreement.
He also said that “there are still continuing meetings,” confirming that some U.S. government officials are expected to visit the Philippines "in the next couple [of] days," to further negotiate.
He noted that Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, who is leading the Philippine side of the discussions, is set to hold more consultations with affected sectors, including manufacturers and farmers, before finalizing the country’s position.
The ambassador emphasized that the discussions go beyond tariffs and include topics such as military cooperation and increased investment flows.
According to Romualdez, the 19% figure is benchmarked against tariff levels in other ASEAN countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, which also hover around that rate.
He added that the government is working toward a tariff agreement that protects local industries while fostering stronger U.S.-Philippine economic ties.
Meanwhile, lawmakers on Wednesday, July 23, expressed alarm over the newly signed trade agreement, citing its uneven terms, and 'insult' including a 19% tariff on Philippine exports to the U.S. while allowing certain American goods to enter the country tariff-free or 0% tariffs.
However, Romualdez said that the tariff could still be reduced before the August 1 deadline, and he remained cautious but hopeful.
“There’s a chance… There is still room for negotiation,” he said.
He reiterated that the Marcos-Trump meeting was, overall, a 'success.'
"Ang tingin namin dito sa visit nito was a very successful one’ dahil na masikipapaano, President Trump, nakita naman ninyo sa TV, talagang maganda yung usapan nila, lalo na sa military relationship natin," he noted.
“President Trump himself called President Marcos a tough negotiator,” Romualdez noted, adding that the Philippines is not giving in blindly and is ensuring a “mutually beneficial” outcome for both nations.
