Trump Says the Philippines Is Going “Open Market” with the U.S. But Here’s What That Really Means

President Donald Trump just announced a new “open market” agreement with the Philippines. Standing alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington on July 22, Trump claimed that U.S. goods will now enter the Philippines tariff-free—while Philippine imports to the U.S. will face a 19 percent tariff.

He called it a “beautiful agreement,” praised Marcos as a “tough negotiator,” and said the deal was part of a broader partnership on military and economic cooperation. But like many of Trump’s announcements, this one is layered with flash, spin, and unanswered questions.

According to Trump, the United States is giving American exporters a big win by dropping tariffs completely on goods sent to the Philippines. Meanwhile, Philippine goods coming into the U.S. will now be subject to a 19 percent tariff—up from 17 percent earlier this year, and just shy of the 20 percent Trump previously threatened. The move is part of a flurry of tariff adjustments the former president is pushing before his self-imposed August 1 deadline to finalize deals with countries like Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and the U.K.

What’s notable is that this agreement hasn’t been officially confirmed by the Marcos administration. The details so far have come directly from Trump’s Truth Social posts and press remarks, with no joint press release or signed documents released by the Philippine government.

The context matters. Trade between the U.S. and the Philippines reached $23.5 billion last year, with the U.S. running a nearly $5 billion trade deficit. Trump says the new deal will help grow those numbers and shift the balance in America’s favor. But economists and trade experts warn that raising tariffs on Filipino goods could drive up prices for U.S. consumers, especially in areas like electronics, textiles, and agricultural imports.

There’s also a deeper layer to all this. Trump and Marcos both highlighted increased military cooperation during their meeting, pointing to a broader strategic alliance in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been rethinking its relationship with China in recent years, and this public pivot toward the U.S. is a clear signal to the region.

Still, the real-world effects remain to be seen. Without a formalized agreement or timeline, it’s unclear when or how these tariff changes will actually take effect. And while U.S. companies may be getting easier access to the Philippine market, Filipino producers and small businesses may soon face higher barriers and added costs.

For Filipino Americans, this isn’t just a trade policy story. It’s personal. Many of us have families who run import-export businesses, send balikbayan boxes, or rely on goods from the Philippines to support cultural, culinary, or entrepreneurial ventures here in the States. Whether it’s snacks on grocery shelves or fashion brands sourcing from the motherland, a 19 percent tariff could change what things cost—and who gets to thrive.

Trump’s announcement may have been loud, but the details are still unfolding. Whether this deal becomes a turning point or another unconfirmed headline depends on what comes next out of Manila and Washington.

We’ll be watching. Because trade isn't just about numbers. It’s about people, culture, and connection—and those are things we take seriously at Kollective Hustle.