Malacanang said the government is bracing for the outcome of its negotiations with the United States to reduce the duties imposed on Philippine goods.

In a press briefing Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the talks between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the US Trade Representative are still ongoing.

Castro said the government cannot reveal details due to the country's confidentiality agreement with the US.

She said the Philippine economic managers are making the necessary preparations if the US decides to retain its existing 10 percent additional tariff on Philippine goods, or raises it.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go said DTI will also try to secure a free trade agreement with the US.

Last April, US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on goods coming from nearly all countries. The Philippines was slapped with a 17 percent tariff that time. It was raised to 20 percent but reduced to 19 percent in July 23 during talks between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Trump in Washington. DMS