Gov’t to boost trade with US under Trump 2.0

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo  —RTVM

The Philippines sees closer economic ties with the United States under a second Trump presidency, with specific actions now being undertaken to ensure this goal.

“Secretary Frederick Go (special assistant to the president for investment and economic affairs) and [trade] secretary Cris Roque are closely collaborating for specific actions to ensure even closer economic relations with the United States, in preparation for the assumption into office of President Trump,” Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters.

“We believe that we are in a good position to push for a more robust framework for economic partnership and cooperation considering the official actions of President Trump during his first term,” he added.

Secretary of state

Rodolfo cited the track record of key Trump nominees that have a direct bearing on international economic relations, highlighting, in particular, Sen. Marco Rubio, who is being eyed to become the US secretary of state.

Rubio had filed Senate Bill No. 4703, otherwise known as the Philippines-US Strategic Partnership Act, last July 11, 2024. The bill is pushing for a number of measures, including the negotiation of a critical minerals agreement with the Philippines.

It also prioritizes support by the US International Development Finance Corp. for projects in critical minerals and fossil fuels in the Philippines.

Aside from Rubio, Rodolfo also pointed out the selection of international trade lawyer Jamieson Greer as the US trade representative as another promising development for PH-US relations.

Earlier in March, a two-day trade mission led by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo visited the Philippines, bringing with them more than $1 billion worth of potential business agreements.