MANILA — The United States has lifted tariffs on more than USD1 billion worth of Philippine agricultural products, along with a wide range of industrial goods, allowing nearly half of the country’s total exports to the U.S. to enter duty-free.

Acting Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go welcomed the development, calling it a “win for Philippine agriculture and our exporting community,” noting that the newly exempted agricultural products are “vital to our farmers and rural economies.”

Bananas, coconuts, mangoes, dried guavas, coffee, tea, spices, and some fertilizers—previously subject to a 19 percent levy—will now enter the U.S. market tariff-free.

“Their exemption from the 19 percent tariff will enhance the competitiveness of our agricultural exports, and increase jobs, and strengthen supply chains,” Go said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that these agricultural products generated more than USD1 billion in export revenue in 2024, while the exempted industrial products were valued at USD5.8 billion.

The White House announced last Friday that the Trump administration had decided to remove the tariffs following reciprocal trade negotiations and an assessment of domestic demand and production capacity for certain goods.

As a result, nearly half of the Philippines’ USD14.5 billion worth of exports to the U.S. will now enter duty-free after many industrial products, including semiconductors, also received tariff exemptions.

Go said tariff rates for other products—such as garments, textiles, and furniture—remain on the country’s “wish list” for future negotiations.

Both Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque expressed optimism that the removal of tariffs will support economic growth.

The U.S. originally imposed a 19 percent tariff on most Philippine goods in July, affecting the Philippines and several major ASEAN economies.