US Tariffs Take Back Seat at the AMAF Meeting
MANILA, Philippines — The 47th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) drew attention for what wasn’t on the formal agenda as much as what was. Despite its substantial impact on global trade, US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policy was not mentioned in the formal high-level sessions. Instead, the topic surfaced during informal talks over lunch in a luxury hotel along Manila Bay, where the AMAF plenary halls were just a few strides away.
AMAF is the bloc’s premier decision-making body on agriculture and forestry, and it welcomed dialogue partners China, Japan, and South Korea. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the moment when the tariff topic repeatedly came up during a lunch conversation, noting that it was “the third time around” he was asked about US tariffs. He explained to reporters that most ministers said they still have no final tariff deals with the United States.
Lunch-Time Dialogues vs. Formal Deliberations
In his brief remarks at a press conference midway through the meeting, Tiu Laurel emphasized the distinction between the formal AMAF discussions and the informal exchanges. While tariffs did not figure into the official agenda, he underscored a broader objective shared by ASEAN members: to strengthen intra-regional trade and reduce dependence on distant markets. “The discussion on tariffs was mostly done over lunch by a simple question: ‘Have you resolved or have you closed?’” he said, reflecting the pragmatic, bottom-line nature of regional diplomacy in a volatile global trade climate.
Despite the absence of a binding tariff agreement at AMAF, the Philippines has been pursuing options within the US trade framework. Since August, Philippine goods entering the United States have faced a 19% tariff rate, while US exports entering the Philippines were anticipated to be tariff-free, though officials say there is no signed agreement yet. The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has described its diplomatic engagements with Washington as a “successful achievement” after securing a one-point decrease in the tariff, with negotiations continuing as the Philippines seeks exemptions from the higher rate.
Regional Trade Strategy: Diversification and Self-Reliance
Tiu Laurel noted that ASEAN ministers are committed to increasing trade within the region so members “can rely on each other first rather than relying on others that are far away.” The talks also touched on expanding markets globally for ASEAN products, signaling a two-pronged approach: push for greater regional resilience while pursuing new outlets beyond traditional partners.
On the question of China’s role, the agriculture chief said there had not been a substantive discussion about China filling any tariff gaps at that stage. Still, China has shown openness in general to Philippine agricultural products such as durian and other ASEAN commodities, which could be meaningful for regional trade dynamics in the near term.
China, Durian, and Market Access
China’s relationship with ASEAN producers remains vital as dialogue partners. While no formal agreements were announced during AMAF, ministers acknowledged that diversification—especially for high-demand tropical fruits—could help cushion any tariff shocks from the United States. Durian, in particular, has drawn interest from several ASEAN markets, and discussions with China could help unlock new routes to market for Philippine growers.
Tariffs by Country: A Snapshot
As context for the regional trade environment, here is a snapshot of US tariff rates imposed on other ASEAN members, illustrating the varied tariff landscape that ASEAN negotiators must navigate:
- Brunei: 25%
- Cambodia: 19%
- Indonesia: 19%
- Laos: 40%
- Malaysia: 19%
- Myanmar: 40%
- Singapore: 10%
- Vietnam: 20%
- Thailand: 19%
Officials stress that AMAF’s real victory lies in strengthening regional ties and hedging against external shocks through diversified markets. With dialogue continuing behind the scenes, the bloc remains focused on pragmatic solutions that protect farmers while expanding opportunity across Southeast Asia.
