The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) identified corruption as a major barrier to U.S. firms doing business in the Philippines, citing problems with national and local government agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs.
Despite a 2021 modernization program, corruption and delays continue to plague customs processing.
The USTR also flagged issues with the Philippines’ procurement system, which favors Filipino-controlled enterprises, and ongoing concerns over intellectual property violations like online piracy.
Additional trade barriers include agricultural measures, foreign ownership limits, and slow legal actions against counterfeiting.
The report precedes the announcement of a reciprocal tariffs plan by the U.S., with potential risks for global trade.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 2, 2025
