September 7, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Division of Commerce and Trade (DTI) is doubling down on efforts to assist exporters, with the total influence of the 19-percent reciprocal tariff imposed by america on Philippine items anticipated to be seen within the August export information.
“As Philippine exporters brace for the influence of the brand new 19-percent tariff imposed by the US, the DTI is intensifying its assist applications to assist companies keep aggressive and discover new markets,” Commerce Secretary Cristina Roque mentioned in a Viber message to reporters.
She mentioned the surge in Philippine exports to the US in current months was largely pushed by frontloading actions or accelerated shipments forward of the implementation of the reciprocal tariff by the US, which took impact on Aug. 7.
“This strategic transfer by exporters was aimed to mitigate the speedy influence of the tariff hike,” she mentioned.
The US remained the nation’s prime export vacation spot in July with a 16-percent share amounting to $1.16 billion.
“We anticipate that the total impact of the tariff will start to mirror within the August export information onwards,” Roque mentioned.
In preparation for the total impact of the reciprocal tariff, she mentioned the DTI helps exporters join with consumers by way of enterprise matching actions and offering hands-on help with export paperwork and customs procedures.
DTI-Export Advertising Bureau director Bianca Pearl Sykimte mentioned exporters are additionally being inspired to look past the nation’s prime exporters and to diversify markets.
“Past our conventional companions, we’re actively pursuing development in Europe, ASEAN and the Center East,” Sykimte mentioned.
She mentioned the DTI can be serving to exporters seize alternatives in new markets by way of focused commerce promotions, business-matching applications and platforms just like the business-to-business listing PHX Supply and the free commerce settlement built-in portal.
Roque mentioned companies might additionally apply for certification below the CREATE MORE Act to get pleasure from incentives.
Earlier, Roque mentioned the DTI is trying to set up a mortgage facility to assist exporters affected by the US reciprocal tariff.
The mortgage facility for exporters is predicted to be made accessible below the DTI’s financing arm Small Enterprise Corp. inside the yr.