News Details

Tariff Exemption in US to Boost PH Farm Exports, Ease Burden on Farmers — DA

NPO

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November 20, 2025

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is optimistic that Philippine agricultural exports will gain a stronger foothold in the United States following Washington, DC’s decision to exempt more Philippine products from the 19-percent reciprocal tariff.

In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas aired Wednesday, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said the expanded list of tariff-exempt goods will provide direct and immediate benefits to Filipino farmers and agri-exporters.

“Ang inaasahan natin dito ay ang pagtaas ng agricultural export sa US dahil mahigit 200 kategorya ng agricultural products ang exempted. Hindi na po tayo sasailalim doon sa 19 percent US reciprocal tariff,” De Mesa said. “Ang pagbibigay ng karagdagang exemption ay magbibigay ng agarang ginhawa sa mga Pilipinong magsasaka at agri-product exporters natin.”

He emphasized that the removal of additional trade barriers lowers market entry costs, making Philippine goods more competitive and attractive to American buyers.

De Mesa also noted that there are no limits on the volume or value of exports that may benefit from the tariff waiver, allowing Philippine exporters maximum advantage under the policy.

In 2024 alone, Philippine exports to the United States reached USD 12.12 billion, a large portion of which came from coconut-based products—many now included in the new exemption list.

According to the US government’s Nov. 14 announcement, newly exempted Philippine products include:
• Coconut oil; prepared or preserved coconuts; desiccated coconuts
• Fruit juices
• Processed pineapples
• Bananas (excluding pulp)
• Dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteen
• Frozen tuna fillets
• Rice wafer products
• Confectionery items

These are in addition to agricultural goods already enjoying tariff-free access such as coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and select fertilizers.

The DA said the expanded exemption strengthens the country’s agricultural trade relationship with the US while supporting the Marcos administration’s push to uplift farmers, boost rural incomes, and expand global market opportunities.

NPO News Team | PNA–PR