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The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. welcomed the decision of US President Donald Trump to exempt certain agricultural exports from reciprocal tariffs coming from trading partners, including the Philippines where the levy was at 19%
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Among the Philippine products that will benefit are coconut (copra) oil, crude and refined – the country’s leading agricultural export to the US; other coconut products; fruit juices; processed pineapples; bananas (excluding pulp); dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteen; frozen tuna fillets; rice wafer products; and confectionery items
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PHILEXPORT hailed the move as a result of sustained stakeholder engagement and a boost to export competitiveness
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PCCI, meanwhile, said it expects steady holiday consumer spending but flags risks from recent typhoons, political issues, and global uncertainties
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) welcomed the decision of US President Donald Trump to exempt certain agricultural exports from reciprocal tariffs coming from trading partners, including the Philippines where the levy was at 19%.
The umbrella group of exporters, in a statement on November 19, said the adjusted US policy will ease pressure on exporters and boost the competitiveness of local products in one of the country’s largest markets.
The exemption, issued through an Executive Order on November 14, covers coconut, coffee, tea, tropical fruits and juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and certain fertilizers. Philippine exports of coconuts, pineapples, bananas, and mangoes will now enter the US market without the additional duty.
Following the exemption, a wide range of Philippine agricultural exports to the US will now enjoy more favorable tariff conditions. Based on 2024 trade data, these include:
- Coconut (copra) oil, crude and refined – the country’s leading agricultural export to the US
- Fruit juices
- Processed pineapples
- Desiccated coconuts
- Prepared or preserved coconuts
- Bananas (excluding pulp)
- Dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteen
- Frozen tuna fillets
- Rice wafer products
- Confectionery items
“This is a positive outcome of our sustained collaboration and engagements with key stakeholders and partners to convey the need for certain exemptions and maintain the competitiveness of Philippine exports, especially those products not locally produced in the U.S.,” said PHILEXPORT president and chief executive officer Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr.
READ: Exporters flag continued global trade volatility, call for PH gov’t action plan
The US is the Philippines’ third-largest trading partner and its top export market, with total bilateral trade reaching $20.3 billion in 2024. Semiconductor exports valued between $2.5 billion and $3 billion also continue to be exempt from reciprocal tariffs.
READ: PH agri exports to US now exempt from 19% reciprocal tariff
Christmas economy
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in a separate statement said it remains optimistic about sustained economic activity driven by traditionally strong holiday consumption.
The group expects robust shopping, dining, and leisure activities to support businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), during the year-end period.
However, PCCI cautioned that recent typhoons, including Typhoon Uwan, as well as “political challenges, constrained public spending, and global economic uncertainties” could temper consumer activity.
“Despite these challenges, PCCI remains confident that the 2025 Christmas season will provide meaningful uplift to local enterprises, particularly MSMEs, which rely heavily on increasing year-end demand,” PCCI said.
PCCI encouraged businesses to leverage digital platforms, ensure smooth operations, and maintain service quality to fully capture the holiday demand. The organization said it hopes the Christmas season will bolster communities and help build momentum for stronger economic performance in 2026.
READ: PCCI champions 20 legislative measures, including on logistics, trade facilitation
