President Trump reveals trade deal with the Philippines after Oval Office meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., including zero tariffs for the U.S.

Under a 2014 deal, called the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, the U.S. military has access to Philippine bases and sites for joint training and for facilities such as runways, fuel storage and troop housing. The agreement was expanded in 2023 to allow the United States access to nine locations, up from five before.

Amid criticisms of the minimal reduction in the tariff slapped by the US on Philippine exports and concerns on the impact of zero tariff on US products, the Marcos administration said yesterday that the trade talks between Manila and Washington are not yet over.

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez has clarified that the recently cited 19% tariff on Philippine exports to the United States is not yet final, emphasizing that trade negotiations are active and expected to conclude before August 1.

The Philippines will aim to bring down the tariff imposed by the US on Philippine exports to 15% from 19%, Manila’s envoy to Washington said, as the Aug. 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump nears.