Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking to ascertain the potential impact of U.S.’ imposition of a 17% reciprocal tariff on the Philippines, noting that Washington remains the country’s largest export market.

“Despite the seemingly advantageous position of the Philippines compared to its ASEAN counterparts following the imposition by the United States of higher reciprocal tariffs, we must identify the potential impact particularly on overseas Filipino workers and the business process outsourcing industry as both are vulnerable to a global economic slowdown,” he said.

In filing Senate Resolution 1343, Gatchalian also emphasized the need to assess how the country could be affected by possible supply chain disruptions and the potential departure of manufacturers who want to avoid tariffs. 

According to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippines exported a total of $12.12 billion worth of goods to the US in 2024, accounting for 16.6% of Manila’s total exports last year and representing a 4.7% increase from the $11.55 billion worth of export products to the US in 2023.