Top Philippine and US officials will take “concrete steps” to address lingering trade concerns following the Trump administration’s imposition of new tariffs.

Trade and economic officials from the Philippines, led by Presidential Investment and Economic Affairs adviser Frederick Go, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on May 2 in Washington.

They discussed “mutually-beneficial ways to strengthen the bilateral relations” amid the 17 percent tariff rate imposed by the US on Manila.

“Both countries agreed to undertake concrete steps in recognition of the complementary nature of our economies and the strategic value of our alliance,” the embassy said.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington said “both sides expressed optimism on the future of PH-US trade and investment relations especially in the context of economic security and fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade.”

The US last month announced a sweeping enforcement of reciprocal duties on its trading partners, with the Philippines facing a 17 percent tariff on its imports to America.

President Donald Trump announced a pause of his new tariff policy, with the exception of China, under a 90-day reprieve that ends early July. DMS