MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Philippine trade officials have assured him that key locally produced agricultural goods will be safeguarded in ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States.

“Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque have assured us that the top priority for Philippine trade negotiators is protecting our local producers,” Tiu Laurel said.

The assurance comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Philippines had agreed to a 19 percent tariff on its exports to the U.S. while allowing duty-free access for American goods entering the country.

Malacañang has since clarified that a final trade agreement has yet to be finalized.

Secretary Go, who serves as Special Assistant to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for Investment and Economic Affairs, said no concessions have been made that would negatively affect local industries. His statement comes amid growing concern over the potential impact of the tariff deal on key sectors, particularly agriculture.

Go emphasized that any trade agreement “must strike a balance between improving market access and safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino workers and farmers.”