"Garment industry to hit $1-billion export mark, defying US tariff pressure", 15 December 2025

The country’s garment exports are expected to reach $1 billion this year as the industry remained resilient despite the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States (US), according to the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP).

FOBAP President Robert Young said garment exports are poised to grow by 11 percent this year...mainly due to advance deliveries.

Young said the year was “surprisingly good” for the local garment industry, as buyers abroad opted to frontload imports to cushion the impact of the US tariffs.

Shipments from the Philippines to the US have been subject to a 19-percent reciprocal tariff since August.

In recent months, the local export industry has secured tariff exemptions, the latest of which applied to several agricultural products.

Based on the latest industry estimate, 46 percent of the country’s exports to the US are now tariff-free.

Young said he expects the government to secure more exemptions and, potentially, even a reduction in the 19-percent tariff in the coming year...

Given the uncertainties in global trade and the unpredictability of US policies, Young said industry players continue to look to other markets, such as Canada, Australia, the European Union (EU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He added that they are also banking on wider market access next year through free trade agreements (FTAs)...