Handel: EU und Philippinen einigen sich auf Freihandelsabkommen

The European Union and the Philippines have reached an agreement on a free trade agreement, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The accord, which requires further negotiations on certain points, aims to reduce tariffs on both sides and enhance market access, as announced by the EU Commission. The Philippines, with its 113 million inhabitants, is a significant market for EU exporters, who export a variety of goods such as machinery, transportation, medicines, medical devices, and pork.

EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stated in Brussels that they have agreed to liberalize over 94% of tariff tariff positions that cover more than 97% of goods on both sides. This move creates opportunities for many European businesses, including farmers, and strengthens and diversifies supply chains at a time when resilience has become a strategic priority, with semiconductors as a clear example.

The agreement also signals the EU's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. For the first time, the deal will open the Philippine market for public procurement to foreign bidders. The European Union will also regulate sustainability, safety standards, energy, and raw materials, as well as protect hundreds of European food products with protected geographical indications.

The EU was the fourth largest trading partner of the Philippines in 2025, accounting for 8.3% of the country's total goods trade. Bilateral goods trade reached 17.6 billion euros last year, while trade in services reached 10.3 billion euros in 2024. Both sides now need to agree on the implementation and technical details of the agreement.