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


One big step for free trade (again) with the US
The long-standing close relationship between the Philippines and the United States may lead us to think that a free-trade agreement between the two countries should come naturally.
DTI to fasttrack study on free trade agreement between RP and US
Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos has agreed to accelerate the completion of a cost-benefit analysis study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the United States.
Zoellick hits RP violations of IPRs
Washington said it would use the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the out-of-cycle review to assist the Philippine government in strengthening its IPR regime.
Bahrain businessmen propose FTA to Philippines
Bahrain businessmen have identified areas to improve bilateral trade relations with the Philippines can be improved including the forging of a free trade agreement (FTA).
US pushes bilateral trade pact
US Assistant Trade Representative Barbara Weisel yesterday urged Manila to sign a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with Washington to boost its underperforming economy and keep it globally competitive.
FTA with US premature at this time, says Santos
Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos sees no need to rush a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. According to Santos, an FTA with the US at this time may even be "premature."
US-RP free trade pact a blow to economic sovereignty
IBON calls on the Arroyo government to discontinue any negotiation on the proposed bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with the US, saying that the free trade pact is a blow to economic sovereignty and would bring the economy back to the era of the Bell Trade Act, which has stunted the Philippine economy to its pre-industrial level.
No rush in free-trade deal with US - DTI
Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos said there is no rush in the proposed bilateral free-trade agreement with the US noting the country's trade with the US is slowly losing steam while gaining markets elsewhere particularly, ASEAN, Japan and Greater China.
US urges Philippines to sign FTA
US Assistant Trade Representative Barbara Weisel urged the Philippines to sign a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with Washington to boost its underperforming economy and keep it globally competitive.
Free trade agreements
The formation of free-trade agreements (FTA) has become a worldwide trend in recent decades. The Philippines, in particular, is showing interest in a slew of trade agreements.