Philippines plans to negotiate with US to lower tariffs, envoy to Washington says

The Philippines is planning to negotiate with Washington to lower tariffs after the United States moved to impose higher 20% duties on goods imported from Manila, its ambassador to the United States said on Thursday.

"We are still planning to negotiate that down," Jose Manuel Romualdez said in a phone message.

Asked what rate the Philippines is looking at, he said: "Will see."

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued Aug. 1 tariff notices to several trading partners, including the Philippines, which he slapped with a 20% duty, higher than the previously announced 17%.

"We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with the Philippines, and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, and very persistent, Trade Deficits engendered by the Philippines' Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal," he wrote.

"As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if the Philippines, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product[s] within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely. In other words, in a matter of weeks," he continued.