US President Donald Trump has agreed to slightly reduce tariffs on the Philippines, following a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House on July 22, 2025. Trump said a “big trade deal” between the two countries was nearing completion.
In his social media post, Trump said that the Philippines would be allowed to be an open market for American products. However, he will still impose a 19% tariff on Philippine products, such as high-tech items and clothing, which is higher than the 17% threat in April.
The Philippines is among the countries that Trump has sent a warning of a 20% tariff, which will be implemented starting August 1. Despite the deepening military relationship between the Philippines and the US, trade remains an issue.
Marcos said that the steps to modernize the military were in response to events in the South China Sea. He added that the US is the Philippines' "strongest and most reliable ally."
While Trump praised the Philippines' relationship with China, he said the Philippines has "tilted back" toward the US from its previous rapprochement with Beijing. He boasted that he was the reason for this change, even though it began when Marcos won in 2022, before he returned to power.
