Philippine President to Meet US President Amid Trade Negotiations

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington this July, according to statements made by Manila's foreign minister, Theresa Lazaro. This meeting is significant as it marks the first time the two leaders will convene, and alongside other important topics, they will address the issue of increased trade tariffs, particularly a recent hike from 17% to 20% announced by Trump without prior explanation.

Lazaro confirmed in an interview that negotiations regarding trade tariffs have already been initiated, with a Philippine delegation set to travel to the US next week to further discuss the potential trade deal. The Philippines is particularly concerned about the growing trade deficit with the US, which expanded to USD 4.9 billion in 2024, reflecting a 21.8% increase from the previous year.

Under Marcos’s leadership, the relationship between the Philippines and the US has developed more robustly, with increased military engagements and greater American military presence in Philippine facilities. This collaboration is essential for the US's strategy to counter China's growing influence in the region, especially in the South China Sea and with respect to Taiwan. Both nations have maintained a mutual defense treaty for over seventy years and regularly conduct joint military exercises, leading to heightened tensions with China.