Manila Times - 14 July 2025

Farmers’ group rejects trade deal with US

THE farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) on Sunday cautioned the government from rushing into a new trade agreement with the United States without considering its broader implications in the Philippine economy.

“The recent imposition of a 20-percent tariff by the United States has triggered calls, unfortunately, by our trade officials for a comprehensive trade agreement in response,” Sinag executive director Jayson Cainglet said in a statement.

The umbrella organization of 32 agricultural stakeholders called the idea of an extensive trade pact with the US a “false narrative,“ arguing that it will instead favor importers and international traders over local producers, manufacturers, and workers.

“We reject any response that leads to a race to the bottom — slashing tariffs on key agricultural commodities, weakening labor protections, or compromising environmental standards,” Cainglet said.

Past trade agreements which focused on market access have undermined local industries, impaired food production capacity, displaced workers, and weakened rural economies, the group pointed out.

The government must otherwise think of a strategic use of tariffs to help boost local agriculture, support industry growth, and protect jobs, particularly rural livelihoods, Sinag said, noting that national interest should always be the priority.

“Trade policy must be shaped by national interest, not by external pressure or short-term market gains of a few privileged importers,” it emphasized.

Any future trade agreements should strengthen the country’s production capacity and support inclusive and sustainable economic growth, Sinag said.