The Philippines is pushing to wrap up trade negotiations with Canada and Japan by November, building on the substantial conclusion of its free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the European Union as Manila moves to widen market access amid global trade uncertainty.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Tuesday that the government is pursuing several trade deals to secure preferential tariffs and diversify destinations for Philippine exports.
“We have very important free trade agreements that we hope to conclude this year, and those are very important markets also,” Roque said after the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
Negotiations with Canada are targeted for completion by or before November, while the Philippines also aims to conclude talks to upgrade the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) within the same timeframe.
Roque cited opportunities for Philippine agricultural exports, particularly bananas, under the Japan deal.
The Philippines and EU have substantially concluded negotiations for their FTA, marking a major step toward a broader trade agreement. The Philippines-Chile FTA has also been concluded and is awaiting signing, while the Philippines-UAE trade agreement has already been signed.
Asked whether US trade policies had accelerated regional efforts to secure new trade deals, Roque said the issue was not discussed at the ASEAN ministerial meetings.
“The U.S. is a strong market also. So tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang pag-export natin sa U.S. But at the same time, we need to open other markets also,” she said.
The push comes as Philippine exports reached a record high in 2025, with growth continuing through July this year.
Roque said expanding the country’s network of trade agreements remains central to efforts to sustain export growth and broaden opportunities for Philippine businesses.
