ISDS Case Map
Philippines
The Philippines and Chile will begin free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in Chile this April, aiming to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) within a year. The CEPA will cover trade in goods and services, and investment, with the Philippines seeking expanded market access for agricultural products and semiconductors, while opening its market to Chilean wine.
The EU is pushing for a fast-tracked free trade agreement with the Philippines, citing interest from European investors. Negotiations, which resumed in March 2024, are expected to continue, with the EU open to finalizing parts of the agreement even if some areas remain unresolved.
The Philippines is optimistic about starting free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the US under a potential second Trump administration, citing past support from Trump appointees. This contrasts with the Biden administration's cautious approach. The Philippines is also prioritizing its ongoing FTA negotiations with the EU.
The Philippines will double down on securing a bilateral free trade agreement with the US, which it assumes would be more possible under the administration of President Donald J. Trump.
The European Union (EU) and the Philippines will resume free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in Manila next month, following an initial round in October 2024. Negotiations, paused in 2017 due to EU concerns over human rights, are targeted for completion by 2026.
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Tariff Commission (TC) have subsequently released implementing guidelines and updated their online tariff finder to reflect the new tariff schedules. Executive Order No. 80 formalizes the Philippines' tariff commitments under the FTA, subjecting listed goods from South Korea to the specified import duties upon entry.
The first round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and Chile has been set for March 2025.
The Philippine-Korea Free Trade Agreement is expected to deliver some $189 million in tariff savings for banana exporters within its first five years as the trade deal comes into force, the Board of Investments said.
The Philippine government has approving a free trade agreement with South Korea, a major irrigation project in the northern Philippines, and an accelerated bridge construction program nationwide.
Japan is aiming to upgrade their existing trade agreement to include provisions on digital trade, sustainable development, and supply chain resilience. The Philippines seeks to bolster its exports, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, and attract more Japanese investment. Both countries are also exploring opportunities in agriculture and food security.
