The United States is not closing its doors on a possible free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez on Tuesday.
Romualdez said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, in previous engagements, had told the Philippine side that Washington DC is “going to consider” when asked if an FTA is no longer a possibility.
"He said, 'No. We're going to consider'. So, in other words, the Trump administration is not closing the door on the FTA. So, who knows, we might be able to work something out, perhaps after the midterm in the United States," Romualdez said.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the Philippines is pushing for a possible free trade deal with the US and other countries.
Following negotiations between US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last July, it was announced that the US would impose a 19% tariff on Philippine goods — a rate that is 1% lower than the original figure.
Romualdez said this tariff is "not written in stone," adding that the Philippine side has recently sent a letter requesting the US to make certain exemptions.
"I think that's being digested and being discussed right now. But, as you know, the Trump administration is doing a lot of other things, which obviously is a priority for them also. We’re just waiting," he said.
US investments
Beyond trade, Romualdez said Manila and Washington are in close coordination to boost investments in the country, including in the context of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and defense manufacturing.
"On the economic front, there is a lot of movement in that sector. We will be able to see more of these types of investments coming not only from the private sector of the US but also from the US government," he said.
Earlier, the US announced a foreign assistance package that will develop LEC, a trilateral initiative between Manila, Tokyo, and Washington to boost investments in high-impact infrastructure projects in Luzon, especially in the Subic Bay area.
Romualdez also said talks are progressing on the planned US ammunition hub in Subic Bay following related insertion in the proposed 2026 US defense appropriation plan or the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
"Congressman [Ryan] Zinke was actually the one who inserted this in the NDAA, where the manufacturing of ammunition is being discussed," he said.
The envoy said the US side is going to look at local partners in the Philippines to set up the ammunition facility.
"[It could be] all kinds of ammunition, it can be for Howitzers, for regular ammunition for rifles… It’s a big investment, but it’s still being worked out. That just came out right now in the NDAA of the US — It’s part of the insertion,” he said.
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