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The Philippines’ main agricultural export products to the United States are now exempt from the 19% reciprocal tax following an adjustment to the Trump tariff policy
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US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on November 14, 2025 lifting the reciprocal tariffs that were announced on April 2 for agricultural products “that are not grown or produced in sufficient quantities in the United States”
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The tariff-exempt products – from all countries that are considered “aligned partners” of the US – include coconut, the Philippines’ top agricultural export to the US
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“This development builds on earlier exemptions extended to semiconductor exports, which represent nearly 25% of our shipments to the US, or roughly $2.5 billion to $3 billion annually,” said Trade secretary Cristina Roque
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The US was the top export destination for Philippine products in 2024, and remains so as of September this year
The Philippines’ main agricultural export products to the United States are now exempted from the 19% reciprocal tax following an adjustment to the Trump tariff policy.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on November 14, 2025 lifting the reciprocal tariffs that were announced on April 2 for agricultural products “that are not grown or produced in sufficient quantities in the United States,” according to a White House fact sheet.
The tariff-exempt products – from all countries that are considered “aligned partners” of the US – include coffee and tea; tropical fruits and fruit juices; cocoa and spices; bananas, oranges, and tomatoes; beef; and additional fertilizers (some fertilizers have never been subject to the reciprocal tariffs).
Incoming Finance secretary Frederick Go, previously the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, said this development bodes well for the agricultural export sector.
“A huge part of our export to the US after semiconductors is actually coconut (classified as a tropical fruit in international trade). So, that’s why it’s very important to us, which is why when we were negotiating with the US, we were stressing that there are so many products that are either not produced in the US or produced in very little quantity,” Go said in a joint press conference Tuesday with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Coconut products such as oil, milk, desiccated, sugar, and water are the country’s top agricultural export to the US, accounting for about 60% of the total $1 billion in agricultural goods that are now exempt from tariffs.
“This development builds on earlier exemptions extended to semiconductor exports, which represent nearly 25% of our shipments to the US, or roughly $2.5 billion to $3 billion annually,” DTI secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.
“These industries sustain thousands of Filipino farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and rural workers, and this decision offers not only immediate relief but also renewed confidence and stability,” Roque said.
READ: DA, DTI collaborate to boost agri exports
Based on 2024 data, the combined tariff exemptions for semiconductors and agricultural products now cover 46% of the country’s exports to the US.
Meanwhile, Go said tariff negotiations with the US are continuing.
The Philippine government is pushing for exemptions for other goods, including garments, travel accessories, and furniture and leather goods.
The US was the top export destination for Philippine products in 2024, accounting for $12.14 billion or 16.6% of the total.
Electronic products were the top export to the US, followed by ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts and ships.
As of September this year, the US remained the top export destination, accounting for 15.3% of the total.
READ: PH sustains export growth in September 2025, trade deficit down 14.7%
