ASEAN and United States approve two-year trade cooperation plan for 2026-27

During a consultation in Manila, ASEAN and the United States signed off on a two-year TIFA work plan covering 2026-2027, aiming to strengthen trade and investment links across multiple sectors. The meeting was co-led by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer, who noted the plan builds on achievements from the 2025-2026 agenda, including progress in digital trade, intellectual property and agricultural cooperation.

The new framework lists priorities such as MSME support, standards, good regulatory practices, labour, competition, consumer protection and strategic trade management. Trade statistics cited show two-way merchandise exchange hitting US$550.5 billion in 2025 and U.S. FDI in ASEAN amounting to US$30 billion. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to keep trade corridors open, enhance supply-chain resilience, and improve the World Trade Organization, while also recognizing programs like US-ASEAN Connect and the ASEAN-US Partnership Programme for capacity building.