Philippines, U.S. taking ties ‘to the next level’ – ambassador

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and United States are working to take their relationship “to the next level” as they mark major diplomatic and defense milestones, US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said Thursday, Sept. 24.

Lipton made the statement during the launch of the second edition of the East-West Center booklet, “The Philippines Matters for America, America Matters for the Philippines,” at Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang. First Lady Liza Marcos attended the event. 

“We’re here to take our relationship to the next level, as we’ve been talking about ever since we met,” Lipton said.

The booklet presents data on economic, security and people-to-people ties.

Lipton said the launch coincided with three major milestones: the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Washington, the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“Our countries share an incredible, incredible history together,” he said.

The Philippines and US established formal diplomatic relations in 1946.

Five years later, both sides signed the Mutual Defense Treaty, which commits each side to respond to an armed attack against either party in the Pacific.

Figures presented at the launch showed that total bilateral trade in goods and services reached $41.7 billion in 2025, a 13 percent increase from 2024 and a 60 percent rise from the level a decade earlier.

Philippine exports to the US reached $13.5 billion, making America the country’s top export destination with a 16 percent share.

The US is also the country’s fifth largest source of imported goods, accounting for $8.2 billion or 6% of the total.

Based on merchandise trade figures, the US ranked as the third largest trading partner overall, behind China and Japan.

The booklet also highlighted agricultural trade between the two countries.

The US was the top supplier of food and agricultural products, with exports valued at $3.15 billion or 15% of the country’s total agricultural imports.

It was also the leading buyer of Philippine food and agricultural products, purchasing $1.63 billion or 18 percent of agricultural exports.