The Philippines and Chile have concluded negotiations for a trade agreement aimed at widening market access and supporting Philippine industries that rely on imported copper.
The Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or PH-CL CEPA, will be the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Latin American country.
The agreement could open more opportunities in Chile for Philippine electronic products, coconut goods and personal care products. Chile, meanwhile, exports copper ores, concentrates, salmon and other products to the Philippines.
Copper supplies from Chile could support the country’s semiconductor, electronics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing industries.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque welcomed the completion of negotiations during a meeting with Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna.
Roque said the agreement reflects the Marcos administration’s effort to expand the Philippines’ network of trade agreements and create opportunities for Filipino businesses, workers, farmers, consumers and investors.
The CEPA goes beyond tariff reductions and includes rules covering trade, investment and the digital economy. It also contains provisions on labor, the environment, global value chains, gender, sustainability and economic resilience.
The two countries are seeking to use their complementary exports to develop links in manufacturing, technology, investment and regional supply chains.
Trade between the Philippines and Chile has grown, although Chile remains a smaller trading partner compared with the country’s major markets.
As of 2025, Chile was the Philippines’ 51st-largest trading partner, 49th export market and 48th source of imports.
Philippine imports from Chile increased by about 181 percent, from $103.4 million in 2023 to $290.8 million in 2024.
The conclusion of negotiations comes as the two countries mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
The government has not disclosed the products covered by tariff reductions, the implementation schedule or when the agreement will be signed and ratified.
