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The Export Development Council and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. have warned of the negative impact of the 19% US tariff on Philippine exports
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Atty. Rami Hourani, chair of the EDC’s Legislative Committee, cited a 50-60% drop in US demand for his Cebu-based export firm following the tariff hike
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EDC calls for a tariff impact review, transparent trade negotiations, support for vulnerable sectors, Senate concurrence on trade agreements, an export diversification strategy, and budget allocation in the 2026 National Expenditure Program
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The US tariff policy, which targets goods with non-US content, puts further pressure on Philippine exporters to source from the US
The Export Development Council (EDC) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) have warned of a negative impact on Philippine exports to the US due to the 19% tariff that took effect August 7.
During a recent Senate hearing, Atty. Rami Hourani, chair of the EDC’s Legislative Committee, shared that his Cebu-based export firm saw a 50 to 60% decline in U.S. customer demand after tariff hikes.
He urged policymakers to launch a comprehensive review of the measure’s economic impact and pursue trade talks that fully incorporate exporters’ concerns.
The EDC’s Network Committee on Legislative and Advocacy Monitoring presented several recommendations to cushion the industry, including:
- a full tariff impact review
- transparent trade negotiations
- support for vulnerable sectors
- Senate concurrence for any formal trade agreements.
It also pushed for diversifying markets, citing the need to accelerate free trade agreement talks with the European Union, and for setting aside funds under the 2026 National Expenditure Program to help industries adapt.
A clause in the US tariff policy targets products containing non-US content, which Hourani said effectively forces Philippine exporters to source materials from the United States and undermines their flexibility in global supply chains.
EDC and PHILEXPORT reiterated their commitment to work with government and industry stakeholders in protecting the competitiveness of Philippine goods.
“Exporters are encouraged to actively engage with EDC and PHILEXPORT for updates, policy dialogues, and support programs that will help them adapt and find new opportunities in the shifting trade landscape,” EDC said in a statement.
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