Trump Confirms Trade Agreement with the Philippines
President Donald Trump has revealed that a new trade deal with the Philippines has been finalized following discussions with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.
After their meeting at the White House, Trump took to Truth Social to announce that a 19% tariff rate will be applied as part of this agreement, allowing the Philippines to engage in open market practices with the U.S.
“It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff,” Trump stated.
He also emphasized future military collaborations, praising Marcos as a respected leader and tough negotiator.
“We will work together militarily,” Trump mentioned, recognizing Marcos’s capabilities.
Additionally, the administration has begun preliminary trade talks with several nations, including the UK, China, and Vietnam, while also outlining plans for negotiations with India, aiming for multiple announcements before the August 1st deadline.
Marcos mentioned that the U.S. is the closest ally of the Philippines but indicated a willingness to explore connections with other nations.
“We are trying to form coalitions and multilateral relations with countries that share our values,” Marcos told reporters.
This comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which have intensified during Marcos’s presidency as he has strengthened ties with the U.S.
Trump reassured Marcos, stating, “I don’t mind if he gets along with China.” He added that relations between the U.S. and China are good, mentioning a recent trade deal involving rare-earth materials.
“They’re sending them in record numbers,” he noted, emphasizing the positivity of U.S.-China relations and expressing support for Marcos’s decisions regarding China.
“I’ve always said, you know, make the Philippines great again. Do whatever you need to do, but [if] you’re dealing with China, it wouldn’t bother me at all,” he expressed.
Trump also indicated that he plans to visit China soon to meet with President Xi Jinping.
