Shifting Philippine trade and security dynamics under the new US presidency | The Manila Times

THE outcome of the recent United States elections has raised several questions for the Philippines. While the incoming Trump administration's commitment to increased tariffs has created uncertainty for many countries, the Philippines may find itself in a favorable position. Current indications suggest that the tariff hikes will most likely be targeted first at China, Canada and Mexico. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is right to remain confident that the Philippines will continue to maintain a strong and positive relationship with the United States. This approach is particularly significant in both the geopolitical and economic contexts for the Philippines.

President Marcos is committed to strengthening the US' oldest partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. Because of the Trump administration's favorable stance toward bilateral trade, this presents the Philippines with more opportunities to negotiate detailed trade terms across various industries. Additionally, the Philippines Generalized System of Preferences arrangement with the United States, where the program allows products from the Philippines to enter the US duty-free, would permit Philippine industries such as those in manufacturing, electrical machinery, and even apparel, to flourish.