Investing strategy shifts amid across-the-board tariffs

It’s here. For months, people talked about US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Overnight, he announced broad tariffs across all imports to the US, with additional reciprocal ones. The levy on the Philippines is now at 17%.

In light of recent developments, it is crucial to assess its broader implications with a measured approach.

If the past could serve as a lesson, Trump had imposed tariffs and often reversed course when met with strong retaliation. A prolonged tit-for-tat tariff conflict remains unsustainable—though it may generate short-term market volatility and trading opportunities, the US does not maintain absolute leverage in such negotiations.

For the Philippines, the direct impact is anticipated to be minimal due to its limited trade imbalance with the US. Its primary tr