By Claire M. True, Managing Editor

WASHINGTON D.C./MANILA — US President Donald Trump has issued a new round of tariff letters to the Philippines and five other countries — Algeria, Brunei, Iraq, Libya, and Moldova.

The letters call for tariffs of 30% on Algeria, 25% on Brunei, 30% on Iraq, 30% on Libya, 25% on Moldova and 20% on the Philippines. 

The new tariff rate for the Philippines is higher by three percent than its present rate of 17 percent.

In the letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,  Trump said the 20% tariff for the Philippines will go in effect on August 1.

The Philippines is the largest economically of the second wave of six countries that received a letter from Trump. Last year, the Philippines sent $14.1 billion in goods to the U.S. 

Before Trump’s announcement, Malacañang expressed optimism that the negotiations between the Philippines and the United States on the 17-percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports would yield a positive outcome.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippine government hopes that the outcome of talks would be “good” for the country and the economy.

“Sa ating palagay, opo (In our opinion, yes),” Castro said in a Palace press briefing, when asked if she believes the Philippines is in a good place on the trade deal negotiations.

“Dahil ang dalawang bansa naman po – ang Pilipinas at ang US – ay nagkaroon po ng pagkakasundo na magkakaroon po ng kooperasyon para sa economic development naman po ng Pilipinas (Because the two countries – the Philippines and the US – have reached an agreement that there will be cooperation for the economic development of the Philippines),” she added.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson earlier said the two nations are working double time to finalize a trade agreement, as Manila negotiates the reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Trump.

Trump earlier announced a 90-day pause on the higher reciprocal tariffs on the Philippines and the US’ other trading partners on April 9, but the blanket 10-percent duty remains.

The new tariff rollout was supposed to proceed on July 9, but Trump extended the deadline for trade talks to Aug. 1, according to reports.

Malacañang earlier said the government is ready for the possible fallout of trade talks with the US. 

Trump earlier issued letters to South Korea and Japan, imposing 25% tariffs on each country’s goods.

Trump also sent letters with tariffs to South Africa (30%), Kazakhstan (25%), Laos (40%), Malaysia (25%), Myanmar (40%), Tunisia (25%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%), Indonesia (32%), Bangladesh (35%), Serbia (35%), Cambodia (36%) and Thailand (36%).

President Trump took the actions based on information and recommendations from senior officials, including information on the status of trade negotiations, the White House said.

The White House said the actions were based on reciprocity and fairness and will help usher in a Golden Age for the American People. (cmtpr1962@yahoo.com.ph)