November 19, 2025 | GMA News Online|
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the United States’ decision to grant additional tariff exemptions for Philippine agricultural exports. He said the move eases industry concerns, particularly for bananas, pineapples, coconuts, dried mangoes, and fruit juices, which were previously subject to a 19 percent reciprocal tariff imposed under US President Donald Trump. Laurel noted that uncertainty over the tariff had discouraged investors, but the new exemption provides clarity and encourages expansion, adding that the Department of Agriculture will now focus on increasing production to boost exports to the US.
The exempted products include crude and refined coconut oil, processed pineapples, desiccated and preserved coconuts, fruit juices, bananas (excluding pulp), dried guavas, mangoes, mangosteen, frozen tuna fillets, rice wafers, and various confectionery products. Other goods no longer covered by the tariff include coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and certain fertilizers.
However, the agricultural group SINAG expressed caution, noting that the tariff suspension was not exclusive to the Philippines but part of a broader US effort to curb domestic inflation. SINAG emphasized the need for real progress in reducing the 19 percent reciprocal tariff that continues to affect Philippine exporters.
