The Philippines is considering lowering its tariffs on goods imported from the United States in response to a new 17% trade duty imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Philippine exports, which is set to take effect on April 9.

Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque confirmed the potential move in remarks to reporters on Monday. “We are really going to do that,” Roque said when asked about reducing the current 34% tariff rate on U.S. goods. She explained that Philippine economic officials will soon convene to determine which product categories might be affected by the policy shift.

The potential tariff cut comes amid heightened global trade realignments triggered by the United States' new trade policies. The Philippines is also reportedly assessing whether it will join a possible collective response from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding U.S. tariffs. Such a move would signal greater regional coordination in addressing Washington’s increasingly assertive trade stance.

U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett previously noted that over 50 countries have reached out to the White House in an attempt to engage in tariff negotiations. Both Vietnam and Taiwan have already announced their intentions to remove tariffs on U.S. goods, aiming to ease tensions and preserve favorable trade relations with Washington.

The Philippines’ deliberation reflects a growing trend among U.S. trade partners seeking to adapt to President Trump’s protectionist economic policies. The outcome of Manila’s internal consultations and potential coordination with ASEAN may influence broader trade dynamics in Southeast Asia as nations react to U.S. actions while protecting their own economic interests.