News Details

US Tariff Exemptions Boost Philippine Agricultural Export Competitiveness

NPO

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November 18, 2025

MANILA – The Philippines’ agricultural export sector is poised for stronger global competitiveness following the United States' recent move to exempt several key Philippine products from the 19-percent reciprocal tariff.

In an announcement released on Nov. 14, the US government confirmed the tariff exemption for various high-value Philippine exports, including coconut oil, desiccated coconuts, prepared or preserved coconuts, fruit juices, processed pineapples, bananas (excluding pulp), dried mangoes, guavas and mangosteen, frozen tuna fillets, rice wafer products, and select confectionery items.

“These products generated over USD 1 billion in export value in 2024 and serve as vital economic lifelines for many Filipino communities,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said during a press briefing in Makati City on Tuesday.

Prior to this development, several Philippine agricultural goods were already exempt from the tariff, such as coffee, tea, cocoa and spices, tomatoes, oranges, beef, and selected fertilizers.

Outgoing Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go highlighted the benefits this decision brings to the Philippine farming sector. He noted that Philippine and US officials have long discussed the need to exempt goods that the US does not or cannot produce at competitive levels.

“It makes complete sense for the US to exempt these products. Today, we’re pleased to share this welcome news: these items are finally exempted,” Go said.

He added that removing the 19-percent tariff would significantly enhance export competitiveness, generate more jobs, and reinforce supply chains. “This is a major win for Philippine agriculture and for our exporting community.”

In addition to agricultural commodities, several Philippine-made semiconductor products have also been granted tariff exemptions, contributing to an estimated USD 4 billion in annual export value, according to Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo.

The United States remains the Philippines’ third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 20.3 billion in 2024.

NPO News Team | PNA–PR