EU trade chief to visit Manila to finalise Philippines trade deal
Manila and Brussels have already completed six rounds of talks aimed at reducing trade barriers across a broad range of sectors. The agreement would represent another step in Brussels’ efforts to diversify its trade relationships throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to visit Manila next week to finalize a trade agreement with the Philippines, according to the European Commission. The deal is nearing completion as Europe has been focusing on the Asia-Pacific region to diversify its trade ties in recent years, especially after the United States' shift under President Donald Trump.
The most recent set of trade talks between the EU and the Philippines took place in May, with public procurement being the final hurdle. An agreement would represent a significant shift for the Philippines, which has thus far prohibited foreign bidders in public contracts. The European Commission has confirmed that the remaining provisions of the agreement are ready, aiming to eliminate trade barriers across most sectors.
EU officials have highlighted the ambitious sanitary and phytosanitary rules for food products and improved automotive standards that would grant EU manufacturers better access to the Philippine market. The Philippines is a crucial market for the EU, with bilateral trade in goods reaching €16.8 billion in 2024, and the EU being the Philippines' fourth-largest trading partner.
The deal is particularly important for Manila, which has faced US tariffs and the impact of the Iran war on energy prices. The World Bank recently granted the Philippines "upper-middle-income country" status, designating it as one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia Pacific region. The European Commission aims to conclude similar trade talks with Thailand in 2026, with agreements already finalized with Australia and India in 2026.
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