President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signaled a renewed push to deepen economic and commercial ties with the United States as he welcomed newly appointed US Ambassador Lee Lipton to Malacañang on Tuesday, underscoring that the alliance between the two countries extends well beyond security cooperation.
During the presentation of credentials, Marcos said more than a century of close relations provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation, expressing confidence that Manila and Washington can further strengthen trade, investment and broader economic engagement in the years ahead.
Lipton echoed the President’s outlook, pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation in economic and commercial relations, security, and people-to-people exchanges. His arrival comes as the Philippines and the United States mark 80 years of formal diplomatic relations, offering both countries an opportunity to broaden collaboration amid evolving geopolitical and economic priorities.
The United States remains one of the Philippines’ most important economic partners. In 2025, it ranked as the country’s third-largest trading partner, biggest export market and fifth-largest source of imports. It also remained a significant source of foreign direct investment, with net inflows reaching $183.99 million, while American tourists accounted for 1.32 million arrivals, the second highest among foreign visitors.
Economic ties are further reinforced by deep personal connections, with more than four million Filipinos and Americans of Filipino descent living in the United States and an estimated 750,000 Americans residing in the Philippines.
While defense cooperation continues to anchor bilateral relations, the Marcos administration is increasingly highlighting the alliance’s economic dimension as both countries seek to strengthen supply chains, expand investments and create new business opportunities. Lipton’s appointment signals Washington’s continued commitment to broadening engagement with the Philippines at a time when economic resilience has become an increasingly important pillar of the two countries’ strategic partnership.
