WASHINGTON — President Trump announced Tuesday that he had sealed a new trade deal with the Philippines after meeting with the island nation’s “tough” president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., at the White House.
“It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff,” Trump, 79, wrote on Truth Social.
“In addition, we will work together Militarily,” Trump added, noting that Marcos is a “highly respected” leader and a “very good” and “tough negotiator.”
The US has struck economic agreements with only a handful of countries so far — including with the UK and China — but the administration is hoping to announce dozens more before an Aug. 1 deadline.
In the Oval Office, Marcos stressed that the Philippines’ closest ally is the US — but added that Manila would leave the door for other diplomatic relationships.
“We are trying to form coalitions and multilateral relations” with countries who share their values, Marcos told reporters.
The Philippine president has doubled down on having close relations with the US during his term, which has caused some tensions with Beijing.
The tension has spilled over into increased territorial disputes in the South China Sea, site of major shipping lanes that China has gradually tried to dominate over the past decade.
“I don’t mind if he gets along with China, because we’re getting along with China very well,” Trump reassured Marcos. “We have a very good relationship.”
“In fact, the magnets, which is a little complex piece of material, but the magnets are coming out, you know very well,” Trump said of the US-China trade deal that opened up Beijing’s market of rare-earth materials.
“They’re sending them in record numbers,” the US president added. “We’re getting along with China very well. And I don’t mind if the president dealt with China, you know, because I think he has to do what’s right for his country.
“I’ve always said, you know, make the Philippines great again. Do whatever you need to do, but [if] you’re dealing with China, wouldn’t bother me at all.”
Trump also reaffirmed that he plans to travel China in the “not too distant future” to meet with President Xi Jinping.
Trade talks between China and the US had heated up to Trump imposing a 145% tariff on imports from Beijing — before lowering it to 30% following the tentative June deal.
Trump has been publicly positive about his relationship with Xi, previously telling The Post he would not discuss COVID-19 origins with the Communist leader and would instead be “nice” with the primary US adversary.
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