Tag: USTR

The Philippines has stayed off the United States’ intellectual property watchlist for a 13th straight year, underscoring sustained progress in enforcement even as risks tied to counterfeit goods persist.

Bribery, corruption, and persistent trade barriers at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have been flagged by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in its latest National Trade Estimate (NTE) report released March 31.

The Philippines believes it can address concerns raised by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) after Washington launched a new investigation into the country’s alleged shortcomings in enforcing restrictions on goods produced with forced labor.

The Philippines is stepping up efforts to curb counterfeit trade with plans to establish a help desk inside Greenhills Shopping Center, a retail hub long flagged internationally for intellectual property violations.

Greenhills Shopping Center has long been a Manila retail landmark, a sprawl of bargain electronics, glittering jewelry counters, and maze-like tiangge stalls that draw shoppers hunting for deals. For decades, it has thrived on volume, variety, and word-of-mouth reputation.