Philippine Goods Not Made with Forced Labor, DFA Asserts Amid US Tariffs

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday said goods produced in the Philippines are not made using forced labor, following the United States’ imposition of a 12.5% tariff on the country. On Friday, Washington imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on 60 countries that allegedly failed to prevent the importation of goods produced partly or entirely through forced labor. “The Philippines has long demonstrated that its locally produced goods, including those exported to the US, do not rely on forced labor,” the DFA said in a statement. The DFA said the Philippines has laws prohibiting forced labor and continues to strengthen its legal and institutional framework by establishing mechanisms to investigate and address allegations involving goods produced through forced labor. “We will continue to engage with US counterparts on this matter,” the DFA said. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Friday that the country will negotiate for the reduction of the 12.5% tariff. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty will lead the negotiations on behalf of the Philippines. This development suggests that key Philippine exports, particularly textiles and agricultural products, could be affected by US import restrictions, carrying significant implications for the Philippine economy. The Philippines has faced scrutiny regarding international labor standards in the past, and the DFA's latest statement is seen as part of diplomatic efforts to maintain the credibility of the country's export industry and minimize economic impact from US import restrictions. Amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea, maintaining and strengthening economic ties with the US is strategically vital for the Philippines, making this issue a complex matter intertwined with geopolitical considerations.