Exporters push stronger trade with China
The largest exporters’ organization in the Philippines is calling for a recalibration of Manila’s trade and geopolitical relations with the United States and China, particularly amid uncertainties surrounding US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), said he considered Beijing a more reliable trading partner than Washington, which has repeatedly imposed and revised tariffs on imports, including those from its allies.
‘Not upbeat’
Although Philippine exports still reached record levels, thanks to tariff exemptions, Ortiz-Luis said exporters remained cautious about their prospects due to the unpredictability of US trade policies.
“It’s hard to predict Trump … while [exporters] are glad, they are not upbeat because there are a lot of uncertainties,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Business Conference and Expo organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“I’m uncomfortable [with our stance with the United States] because I don’t trust Trump,” he added.
‘No demands’
Ortiz-Luis argued that the Philippines should reconsider its geopolitical positioning after the next administration takes office in 2028.
Asked whether this meant placing greater emphasis on trade relations with Beijing, Ortiz-Luis said: “To me, yes. Because China has no demands.”
“We will have to rebalance our politics,” he said. “While we are not exactly aligned with the United States, we are following whatever [it] does.”
“I think we cannot afford to really push China away,” he added.
Recently, Malacañang reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to maintaining trade and investment relations with China despite long-standing disputes over maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.
This was after Vice President Sara Duterte accused President Marcos of suggesting that doing business with China posed a security risk, following allegations that Chinese entities were financing a company linked to her.
No prohibition
“There is no prohibition on dealing with China in relation to trade and investment,” Palace press officer Claire Castro had said. “China needs the Philippines, and the Philippines needs China when it comes to trade.”
Ortiz-Luis said China, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, are markets that Philippine exporters simply cannot afford to ignore, given that their combined demand exceeds that of the United States.
In 2025, Philippine merchandise exports to the United States reached $13.44 billion, making it the country’s largest individual export destination.
Exports to Hong Kong, meanwhile, amounted to $12.32 billion, followed by mainland China at $9.3 billion and Taiwan at $3.28 billion.
