Malacañang expressed optimism on Monday, April 21, that the upcoming U.S. visit of Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, will lead to positive results.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “We should always be hopeful dahil ang mundo natin at ang bansa natin ay hindi kulay itim.”
She added that the country’s economic team is currently holding meetings to prepare for discussions during Go’s visit in early May.
The trade talks come amid recent U.S. tariff changes announced by President Donald Trump on April 2. These include reciprocal tariffs that could affect Southeast Asian economies.
The Philippines was hit with a 17% tariff—lower than those imposed on its neighbors. However, Trump later introduced a 90-day pause and a universal, reduced tariff rate of 10%. Meanwhile, tariffs on Chinese goods surged to 145%.IMT
