US trade deal will boost food PH supply, cut prices — DA

Locally-produced agricultural goods such as rice, corn, sugar, chicken, fish, and pork will be protected in the ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, according to the Department of Agriculture on Sunday.

“Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque have assured us that the top priority for Philippine trade negotiators is protecting our local producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. in a statement said. 

Earlier, President Donald Trump had announced that the Philippines has agreed to a 19 percent tariff on its exports to the US, while granting duty-free access to American goods entering the country.

However, Malacañang clarified that a final trade agreement is still being finalized by trade negotiators.

According to the DA, Go, Special Assistant to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for Investment and Economic Affairs, “assured the Philippines has not made any concessions that would harm local producers. His remarks come amid growing concern over the potential impact of a tariff deal on key Philippine industries.” 

“Secretary Go has maintained that any trade agreement must strike a balance between improving market access and safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino workers and farmers,” the DA said. — RF, GMA Integrated News