Philippine-US Tariffs Deal Faces Sharp Criticism
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent tariffs deal with the United States has stirred controversy among various progressive groups, who argue it undermines Philippine interests. The four-word keyphrase “tariffs deal with US” captures the core issue these critics raise about the agreement’s impact on local industries.
During his Washington visit, Marcos negotiated a tariff reduction from 20% to 19% on Philippine goods entering the US market. In exchange, some American products will now enter the Philippines duty-free, a move many see as unfavorable for Filipino producers. Local leaders said this arrangement risks turning the country into a dumping ground for US goods.
Concerns Over Local Industry and Sovereignty
One prominent critic, a party-list representative, described the deal as a “sell-out” of Philippine economic sovereignty. He warned that allowing zero tariffs on American automobiles, soy, wheat, and pharmaceuticals will flood local markets with cheaper imports, putting Filipino manufacturers and farmers at a disadvantage.
“From 20 percent, Marcos Jr. proudly announced he got the US tariff down to 19 percentage point — a measly 1 percentage point drop. In exchange, the Philippines is now a no-tariff dumping ground for US automobiles, soy, wheat and pharmaceutical giants. This is not diplomacy. This visit has turned out to be a disastrous humiliation ritual where Marcos Jr. surrenders markets and sovereignty while Trump gets to crow about ‘winning,’” a local leader said.
Critics further highlighted that the slight tariff reduction is not worth the loss of market protection, which may lead to job losses and economic disruption. They also pointed to growing US military presence in Subic and Palawan, which they say occurs without transparent treaty ratification, effectively burdening the Filipino people twice.
Progressive Groups Demand Transparency
The progressive coalition Bayan called the deal the “worst ever,” emphasizing the unequal power dynamics between the Philippines and the US. They demanded full disclosure of the agreement’s terms, questioning what the Philippines gained in return for allowing zero tariffs on US products.
“Did the Philippine president sell out our economy in exchange for something? For the promise of US military aid perhaps? Has national interest and sovereignty become that cheap under Marcos? What did Marcos get for the Philippines to allow zero tariffs on US goods, a move that is detrimental to the Philippine economy and its local producers?” they asked.
They denounced the arrangement as neocolonialism if military aid comes at the cost of economic sovereignty.
Supporters Highlight Strategic Gains
Despite criticism, allies of President Marcos praised his efforts to strengthen ties with the US. A prominent congressman from Leyte described the visit as a critical moment that gave the Philippines a “stronger footing in global affairs.”
“This is more than just an official working visit. This is a statement of confidence: that the Philippines is ready to lead, to compete and to stand tall among nations,” a local official said.
Supporters argued that access to the US market offers Filipino businesses greater opportunities to compete internationally and expand. They view the negotiations as a strategic start, with room to shape future terms that better serve the Filipino people.
“Access to the US market is a game-changer. It means more small and medium Filipino enterprises will be able to compete globally. It means more chances for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our local producers to earn and grow,” a government official noted.
“Nations are not built overnight. What matters is that President Marcos secured a seat at the table, and the terms of engagement can be shaped from here. This is how statesmanship works: steady, strategic and always with the people in mind,” he added.
For more news and updates on tariffs deal with US, visit Filipinokami.com.
