President Donald Trump has intensified his trade agenda, announcing tariff letters sent to seven nations—Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Philippines, Moldova, and Brunei—promising levies up to 30 per cent starting 1 August unless trade deals are secured.

The Philippines was once seen as a nation destined for prosperity, blessed with fertile lands, rich mineral reserves, and strategic access to the Pacific Ocean. In the mid-20th century, it stood as one of Asia's most promising economies.

The Philippines has been slapped with a 20-percent tariff on exports to the United States, higher than the 17-percent duty previously announced in April. Government officials expressed concern over the move,