TALKS about the exemptions of some Philippine products from United States tariff continues, but specifics cannot be disclosed yet since these are under a non-disclosure agreement, an official said Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines forum at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila, said they are still waiting for the final decision on semiconductors.
This, after US President Donald Trump proposed a 100-percent tariff on semiconductor imports, among the major exports of the Philippines.
Data from the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi) showed that electronics exports in May 2025 expanded by 13.56 percent on an annual basis to US$4.18 billion.
The same data showed that electronics exports in May accounted for 57.40 percent of the country’s $7.29 billion exports during the month.
Go said they are still seeking clarification from the US.
“And of course we are lobbying that. Our semiconductor exports likewise be exempted if there is such. But we still have to schedule a call or a meeting with them to clarify this matter,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos has issued a firm warning on the risks of the 100 percent tariffs imposed by the United States to the Philippines’ semiconductor industry, which is valued at $4.5-$6 billion in annual US-bound exports.
While American-owned firms operating locally will remain exempt, Filipino manufacturers engaged in chip packaging, testing and assembly are fully exposed to the trade blow. The Seipi has already cautioned that without a strong policy response, the sector could see massive layoffs and an erosion of its market share.
“We cannot underestimate the devastating impact these recent US trade decisions may have on our semiconductor exports,” Marcos said. “The Philippines must not remain a passive observer. We need a plan — not just false hope.”
To safeguard the industry, Marcos proposed pressing for targeted US exemptions, securing contingency contracts with customers and accelerating market diversification as a national policy.
She also suggested creating “US-linked production lanes” to retain American buyers, shifting toward higher-value products less vulnerable to price shifts and co-investing in capabilities aligned with US priorities.
“The US is not the only market in the world,” Marcos stressed, urging the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Foreign Affairs to actively build alternative markets.
“If we keep relying on patience and pleading, our industry will collapse before any solution arrives,” she added.
“Saving the semiconductor industry is also saving the future of the Philippine economy.” / PNA / KOC