The Philippine food export industry is bracing for potential losses following the recent move by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose higher tariffs—up to 20 percent—on goods from the Philippines. Industry leaders warn that the price hike may hurt demand for beloved Philippine products in the U.S. such as snacks, dried fruits, coconut-based items, condiments, and juices.
Ruben See, president of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (Philfoodex), expressed concern that the new tariffs will raise landed costs, forcing consumers in the U.S. to reconsider their purchases. “Mag-iisip ‘yan [mga Amerikano] at magbabawas. Hahanap sila ng katulad ng produkto natin [na mas mura],” he said in a DZMM interview.
See noted that some products, like nata de coco—originally a Philippine innovation—are now being manufactured and exported by regional competitors such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, posing further challenges.
He warned that if export volumes drop significantly, micro, small, and medium-sized food manufacturers in the Philippines could be forced to lay off workers. “Ayaw namin nun pero wala tayong magagawa. Kung mahina ang export, maaapektuhan ang exporter,” he added.
While the Philippines has existing trade agreements with countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, See believes they won’t be enough to offset potential losses from the U.S. market, which remains the Philippines’ largest export destination.
See urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to open talks with Trump to push for reduced tariffs—ideally down to zero or at most 5 percent. “Kung 20 percent talaga, mahihirapan tayo,” he said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. goods trade deficit with the Philippines stood at $4.9 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that the U.S. accounted for $12.14 billion worth of Philippine exports last year, or 16.6 percent of the country’s total. In May alone, exports to the U.S. reached $1.12 billion.
