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Philippines

The Philippines signed its first bilateral FTA with Japan in 2006 and is presently party to the ASEAN FTA processes (China, India, Korea, Japan and Australia/New Zealand). The Philippine government has been trying to get Washington to offer an FTA, while those of New Zealand and Chile are apparently in favour of a bilateral deal with Manila. The Philippine government wants to join the TPP, and is engaged in efforts to lay the groundwork for negotiations with the EU for a possible FTA.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Michel Cermak/Twitter


PH, India to commence bilateral trade deal negotiations
The Philippine and Indian governments have agreed to begin the negotiations on a bilateral preferential trade agreement, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on various goods.
Philippines-South Korea FTA signing feasible this year
The signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and South Korea is still feasible this year, according to Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
The garment dilemma in Indonesia-Bangladesh trade talks
Jakarta is committed to promoting free trade through PTA, but it is also keen to protect some domestic industries, such as garment manufacturing, from low-cost import competition due to their importance to the economy.
Philippines eyes free trade deal with US
The Philippines is eyeing a free trade deal with the United States while waiting for the renewal of its eligibility to the US GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) program which expired in 2020, a trade official said.
Philippines, South Korea free trade deal in final stages
The free trade agreement between the Philippines and South Korea is in the final stages, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry said on Tuesday.
PH likely to sign free trade deal with South Korea ’very soon’: DTI Michelle Ong
The Philippines and South Korea may sign a free trade deal "very soon" as officials of the two countries continue discussions, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said.
Signing of PH-S.Korea FTA in Cambodia hits snag
Signing of the Philippines-South Korea free trade area (PH-ROK FTA) will have to wait until early next yet instead of this month, as both parties are still reviewing text and provisions of the trade deal.
PH seen ratifying economic treaty end-2022
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is yet to make a decision on the ratification of the RCEP as he wants to ensure the trade agreement will not be detrimental to local industries.
PH-S. Korea free trade deal seen entering into force in 2023
The Philippines is eyeing the entry into force of a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea next year, with the bilateral pact seen benefiting local banana and processed pineapple exporters in the form of reduced tariffs.
Canada prefers FTA with Asean over bilateral deal with Philippines
Canada has expressed preference for a free trade agreement with the ASEAN instead of one with the Philippines, dampening the hopes of some groups that a bilateral trade deal between the two countries will be forged.