DA 'very confident' on US-PH tariff deal

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told media he's "very confident" in the outcome of economic czar Frederick Go's visit to the United States for a fair deal on new tariffs that US President Donald Trump has imposed on imported goods entering America.

Go, the Philippines' Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, is in the US with Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque to negotiate the deal. Tiu Laurel said he sent lawyer Asis G. Perez, DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations, to join the negotiating team.

On April 2, Trump announced a round of increased tariff rates against 60 countries, including a 17-percent rate for the Philippines, effective April 9. However, Trump turned around with a 90-day temporary suspension and instead set a 10-percent "baseline" tax for most countries on the list.

The pause gave time for the Philippines and other countries to negotiate with the US Trade Representative on the tariff rates.

Tiu Laurel maintained his view that the 17-percent rate may be advantageous to the agricultural sector since the country's export competitors have been imposed higher tariff rates. But he also admitted that non-agricultural sectors may suffer from the policy.

He said the government is monitoring developments on the issue, and that a minimum tariff rate would be best for the country.

As for possible concessions to the US, Tiu Laurel said it is hard to tell. Though he said there was no agreement on specific compromises for a deal, Tiu Laurel stressed that he asked Go to push to protect the interests of local industries.

The goal is to open up more markets or widen export access for the country's products in the US.