Allowing zero tariffs on select products imported from the United States will help lower the prices of essential goods in the Philippines, making items such as medicines, pork, chicken, and fish more affordable, a government official said Thursday.
During a press briefing in Malacañang with Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Secretary Frederick Go clarified that only a few products from the United States will have zero tariffs and will not affect Philippine sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.
Go is the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.
“Yun mga pinapapasok natin na walang taripa ay ang purpose po noon ay ibaba ang presyo ng bilihin sa Pilipinas. So kapag nagpasok tayo ng gamot, for example, na walang taripa, mumura ang gamot,” Go said.
“Pag nagpasok tayo dito ng feeds dito na mura, mumura din ang presyo ng baboy, presyo ng manok, at presyo ng isda,” Go added. “So ang pinapapasok natin ay ang pagbaba ng presyo ng mga bilihin.”
Go emphasized that the Philippine government remains committed to protecting agriculture, fisheries, and other key sectors of the country.
Go clarified that the zero-tariff concessions agreed upon by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump apply only to products that the Philippines either does not produce or produces in minimal quantities, ensuring that local industries are not adversely affected.
“Maganda po ‘yan. Sadya namin tiningnan ‘yan dahil kapag mas maraming suppliers tayo ng pharma (pharmaceuticals) … mahal po kasi ang gamot sa Pilipinas. Kung pinasok po natin ‘yan na may taripa mas mahal pa po ang presyo ng gamot,” Go said.
“Kapag tariff-free po ang gamot makakababa po ‘yan ng presyo ng gamot sa ating bansa,” he added.
Go said that among the products the Philippines agreed to impose zero tariffs on under the agreement with the United States are U.S.-made goods such as automobiles, medicines, soy (used for livestock feed), and wheat.
Go was part of the Philippine delegation of President Marcos during the Chief Executive’s three-day official visit to Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22, 2025. | PND
