Key Metrics
16.87
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelNational
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Last Update2025-08-10
Event Overview
The agreement imposes a 19% tariff on U.S. imports from the Philippines, increasing costs for American businesses while exempting U.S. exports. This reflects strategic trade policy adjustments aimed at balancing economic interests and bilateral relations.
Collect Records
Trump Announces Trade Agreement With the Philippines Including 19% Tariff on Imports
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had reached a trade agreement during a meeting at the White House. The agreement specifies a 19% tariff on goods imported into the United States from the Philippines, which will be paid by American businesses. According to Trump, U.S. exports to the Philippines will not be subject to tariffs.
The announcement followed an Oval Office meeting where Trump initially suggested he was not ready to make a deal due to tough negotiations but later confirmed that both sides agreed to terms. No formal signing was confirmed at the time, and few details were revealed immediately.
Previously, in April, the U.S. had imposed a minimum 17% reciprocal tariff on Philippine goods before Trump paused the measure, and earlier this month he had threatened to raise it to 20% as of August 1. The new agreement sets the tariff at 19%. In 2023, the U.S. imported $14 billion worth of goods from the Philippines — including computers, electronics, processed foods, machinery, and apparel — and exported $9 billion worth of goods to the Philippines.
Trump noted on his social media platform: “It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal.” Administration officials have recently emphasized focusing on the quality of trade deals rather than the number of agreements. The Philippines’ inclusion in this deal marks a shift, as other nations with recent Trump trade accords have seen lower tariff levels compared to those threatened earlier in the year.