Philippine trade reforms gain WTO backing

GENEVA, Switzerland — The Philippines successfully concluded its sixth Trade Policy Review before the World Trade Organization on June 26, 2026, drawing more than 500 written questions from WTO members in a review that reflected strong international interest in the country’s trade policies, economic reforms, and development priorities.

The review was held on June 24 and 26, 2026, giving the Philippines a platform to present reforms undertaken since its last review in 2018.

WTO members welcomed Philippine reform efforts in trade facilitation, customs modernization, agriculture, investment liberalization, government procurement, digital trade, sustainability, and services, among other areas.

The WTO said the review was based on a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Philippine government, a standard process under the Trade Policy Review Mechanism that promotes transparency in members’ trade policies.

Head of delegation and Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty thanked WTO members for their constructive engagement, saying the high level of participation showed continued interest in the Philippine economy and its reform agenda.

During the review, members recognized the Philippines’ resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and climate-related risks.

Members also encouraged the country to sustain reforms that enhance competitiveness, transparency, and the trade and investment environment.

The Philippines highlighted key reforms since 2018, including the Ease of Doing Business Act, amendments to the Public Service Act, Foreign Investments Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act, implementation of the CREATE Act, digital customs modernization, and the New Government Procurement Act.

The Philippine delegation also cited efforts to modernize agriculture through the Rice Tariffication Law and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

The government said the reforms are intended to deepen the country’s participation in global value chains, promote sustainability, and advance the digital economy.

In his closing statement, Gepty said the Trade Policy Review strengthens transparency, accountability, and confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Gepty also thanked the chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, Ambassador Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy of Samoa, the WTO Secretariat, and review discussant Ambassador Victor Manuel Aguilar Perez of Mexico for their support.

“The Trade Policy Review is not simply a procedural exercise,” Gepty noted. “It is a vital pillar of transparency, accountability, and trust in the global trading system. It reinforces confidence in rules-based trade, especially as the world economy faces increasing uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. We remain deeply committed to the WTO.”

The closing remarks of the head of delegation were followed by a reiteration of support from the country’s key trade partners: Australia, the European Union, Japan, and the United States.

In a statement delivered during the review, the European Union said trade between the EU and the Philippines grew by 4.5% to EUR 17.6 billion in 2025, underscoring the importance of the Philippines as an economic partner.

The conclusion of the review marks a key multilateral trade milestone for the Philippines as it seeks to strengthen investor confidence, improve trade competitiveness, and maintain support from major trading partners amid global economic uncertainty.

The next review of the Philippines is scheduled in 2033.

Sources: Department of Trade and Industry, World Trade Organization, European Union.