Philippine guns and ammunition manufacturers face significant challenges following the Trump administration’s announcement of a new 17-percent tariff on exports to the United States, set to take effect on April 9, 2025. This steep increase notably undermines the competitiveness of local producers, who previously enjoyed a much lower tariff rate of less than 5 percent, according to Gina Marie Angangco, president of the Firearms and Ammunition Manufacturers Association of the Philippines.
While the U.S. government has temporarily paused the new tariffs for negotiations, Angangco warns that the interim rate of 10 percent still positions Philippine manufacturers at a distinct disadvantage compared to foreign competitors such as Turkey, whose firearms are subject to only a 10-percent tariff. In response to these new economic pressures, local manufacturers are considering adjustments to their sourcing strategies, including exploring the use of American raw materials to mitigate the impact of the tariffs.
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