In a high-stakes diplomatic and economic visit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has arrived in Washington to hold key talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to secure a trade deal before harsh tariffs on Philippine goods come into effect next month.
The meeting, set for Tuesday at the White House, comes amid escalating tensions in global trade and regional security. It marks the first time a Southeast Asian leader will meet Trump since he began his second term as president.
Trade Talks on the Line
President Marcos is expected to prioritize discussions on trade and tariffs, particularly focusing on the 20 percent import tariff the Trump administration plans to impose on goods from the Philippines starting August 1. The previous tariff proposal stood at 17 percent, but was recently increased in what Trump’s administration described as a “reciprocal adjustment.
Before departing Manila, Marcos addressed reporters, saying:
“Our focus is not only on defence cooperation but also on ensuring that economic and trade relations remain strong. We are seeking practical and fair solutions to avoid the damage these tariffs could inflict on Filipino businesses and workers.
The Philippines had a trade surplus of nearly $5 billion with the U.S. in 2024, based on a total bilateral trade value of $23.5 billion. With the threat of increased tariffs, Filipino officials fear the competitiveness of their exports could suffer significantly.
According to Assistant Foreign Secretary Raquel Solano, Philippine trade officials have been in active discussions with their U.S. counterparts to strike a “mutually beneficial” agreement.
Hope for a Better Deal Than Neighbors
Trump has already reached trade agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia, imposing tariffs of 20 percent and 19 percent respectively. However, analysts believe the Philippines could secure a more favorable deal.
Gregory Poling, a regional expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, noted:
“Given the Philippines' importance in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and the closer alignment under Marcos, it wouldn’t be surprising if Manila secures better terms than its neighbors.”
Marcos will also engage with U.S. business leaders and economic stakeholders during his visit, in an effort to boost American investment in the Philippines.
Strategic Partnership in the Spotlight
Beyond trade, the talks are expected to reaffirm the decades-old mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States. The alliance has grown more significant amid growing tensions in the South China Sea and Beijing’s increasing assertiveness over Taiwan.
Marcos has notably tilted Philippine foreign policy back towards Washington, expanding access for U.S. military forces to local bases. The two countries now conduct multiple joint military exercises annually, recently including live-fire drills with advanced U.S. missile systems, drawing sharp rebukes from China.
Pentagon officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, met with Marcos on Monday morning, followed by a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The back-to-back high-level meetings underscore the strategic importance the U.S. places on its alliance with Manila.
Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the U.S., told local media:
“This visit is not just about trade — it’s a reaffirmation of shared values, regional stability, and our role as each other’s oldest Asian ally.
Trump’s Personal Rapport with Marcos
Sources close to the Trump administration say the U.S. president sees Marcos as a dependable partner in Southeast Asia. After Trump’s re-election, the two leaders spoke by phone and reportedly shared mutual interest in strengthening economic and defense ties.
Political observers believe this personal dynamic may help the Philippines negotiate a more favorable outcome.
As Marcos prepares for Tuesday’s meeting at the White House, both leaders face pressure: Trump to maintain America’s strategic influence in Asia, and Marcos to protect Philippine economic interests while navigating a complex geopolitical environment.
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