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  1. Negotiations

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

See also
Philippines, Chile hold FTA discussions
29-Jul-2025     Philstar
The Philippines and Chile have initiated the first round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking the Philippines' first potential trade deal in Latin America. The talks aim to cover not just trade in goods and services but also intellectual property rights, digital economy, environment, labor, and gender issues.
Philippines’ Marcos to meet Trump seeking trade deal
22-Jul-2025     Al Jazeera
Leaders expected to hold talks on bilateral trade days before US tariffs on Philippine goods set to take effect.
Farmers’ group rejects trade deal with US
14-Jul-2025     Manila Times
The farmers' group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) strongly opposes rushing into a new trade agreement with the US, particularly following the recent imposition of a 20% US tariff. Sinag warns that such a comprehensive trade deal risks favoring importers and international traders over local farmers, manufacturers, and workers.
UAE-Phl FTA to be signed next month
27-May-2025     Daily Tribune
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to sign their first-ever Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in June, marking a historic milestone in their bilateral relations.
PHL-Canada to conduct exploratory talks for a bilateral FTA in June
26-May-2025     Business World Online
The Philippines and Canada are set to begin exploratory talks for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in early June, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and agricultural products like bananas, pineapples, and coconut.
Phl reaffirms commitment to join CPTPP, eyes midyear accession
19-May-2025     Daily Tribune
The Philippines, through its Department of Trade and Industry, has reaffirmed its commitment to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by the first half of the year.
Philippines eyes membership in Trans-Pacific FTA
2-May-2025     Philstar Global
The Philippines plans to formally apply to join the high-standard Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) within the year to diversify its trade markets, amid recent US tariffs on Philippine goods.
Philippines pushes for US free trade agreement after 17% tariff on exports
8-Apr-2025     Invezz
The Philippines is prioritising a free trade agreement with the United States after Washington imposed a 17% tariff on Philippine goods.
Agri chief raises banana issue with Japan, calls for trade pact review –PH Embassy
17-Mar-2025     GMA News Online
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Philippines met with Japanese officials in Tokyo to address the declining market share of Philippine bananas, advocating for an immediate review of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) to create a fairer trade environment.
PH eyes ‘sectoral FTA’ with US under Trump
12-Feb-2025     Inquirer Net
The Philippines is considering pursuing a "sectoral" free-trade agreement (FTA) with the United States under a potential second Trump administration, focusing initially on critical minerals like nickel. This comes after previous FTA talks stalled.