Marcos urged to resist Trump’s 'bullying tactics’ after US set 20% tariff

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of farmers and workers’ groups has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resist what it calls “bullying tactics” of United States (US) President Donald Trump.

This came after the US decided to impose a 20 percent tariff on imports from the Philippines, despite Manila's efforts and “constant engagements.”

The Department of Trade and Industry recently confirmed that it has received communication regarding the decision, as Trump informed Marcos of the new tariff set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

READ: Philippine exports to America face 20% Trump tariff

In a statement, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) and the National Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (NTUC PHL) lamented the imposition of tariffs by the US.

The coalition asserted that it “renders hollow the recent assurances of top US officials such as State Secretary Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Rubio that the US maintains an iron-clad commitment to its defense, security and economic alliance and partnership with the Philippines”.

FFF Chair Leonardo Montemayor and NTUC PHL President Milagros Ogalinda emphasized that the 20 percent tariffs will have substantial effects on Philippine exports and US import costs and prices, even if it is lower than the tariffs in other Asian countries.

“By impeding our agricultural and industrial exports, Trump’s tariffs will curtail jobs and incomes for millions of Filipinos and weaken the country’s economic base. This will, in turn, undermine our national security,” the union officials said in the statement on Tuesday.

Montemayor and Ogalinda added that should the 20 percent US tariff already take effect, costs substantially for US importers will rise, which would lead in “eroding the relative competitiveness of Philippine exports, decreasing demand, and leading to job losses in US-oriented Philippine sectors - primarily electronics, fats and oils, leather apparel, furniture and agriculture.”

“This is a cause for concern, given geopolitical challenges, global economic slowdown and uncertainties, disruptions in international supply chains and shipping, and probable retaliatory measures from other countries,” they pointed out.

The coalition also noted that in 2024, the Philippine exports to the US totaled $12.1 billion. This was dominated by electronic products at about $6.4 billion, including integrated circuits and related components.

READ: DTI raises concern about 20% US tariff on Philippine exports

Other major Philippine exports to the US are machinery, fats/oils, leather goods and agricultural products.

“Although the Philippines had an overall trade surplus of $4.9 billion over the US, the latter enjoyed a $1.95 billion advantage in agricultural trade,” said the coalition. /apl

(2025/07/17-10:55)

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