Philippine Trade Secretary, economic czar off to Washington for tariff talks

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque Photo by Alden M. Monzon

MANILA, Philippines — Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go are scheduled to travel to the United States next week.

They will go there to negotiate the country’ tariff rates under US President Donald Trump’s latest trade policy.

In a message to the Inquirer, Roque said that the trip will take place from April 29 to May 2.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty confirmed the dates and said he will be joining the delegation. Gepty has previously led several of the country’s free trade negotiations.

Last April 2, Trump announced a new 17-percent tariff on Philippine exports, originally set to take effect on April 9.

However, he has since declared a temporary suspension of the measure. This gives time for further negotiations with affected countries, including the Philippines.