THE PHILIPPINES AND THE EU GSP

Economic Impact

GSP+-eligible imports from the Philippines have shown an upward trend over the years, reaching an all-time high of €3.8 billion in 2022 (although then dropping to €2.7 billion in 2023 and €2.8 billion in 2024). The preference utilisation rate also increased over the longer term, from less than 70% around 2014 to 80% in 2024. Across product groups, fish & meat preparations, chemicals, and footwear all have utilisation rates above 90%, whereas the largest product group, machinery, had a below-average utilisation rate of 75% in 2024.

The largest product sections under the GSP+ (€ million, 2024)

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MONITORING PRIORITIES

The current government has affirmed its commitment to the compliance with the GSP+ commitments since it came into power in 2022. Recent dialogue under the GSP+ framework as well as in other fora has been constructive and the Philippines has taken several steps to address points of concern.

Over the period 2023 to 2025, the following positive developments were noted:

• Human rights: The administration has restructured its human rights architecture with the establishment of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination and approved a new multi-annual Human Rights Action Plan in 2024.
• Labour rights: The Philippines has made some progress with regards to the implementation of labour rights notably on labour inspections and on freedom of association.
• Environment/Climate: Several important reports were submitted.
• Governance: Drug policy continued to shift from an excessively punitive approach towards a more balanced, health-based and people-centred model.

Remaining issues and priorities for future engagement are:

• Human rights: Concerns around persistent impunity and low levels of accountability for extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations and abuses remain, while some civil society, human rights defenders and media professionals are subject to pressure. Concerns have been expressed that anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws may still be used in ways that restrict civic space.
• Labour rights: Further progress is needed to address very serious issues raised in relation to Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise. Positive efforts on forced and child labour need to be effectively monitored and evaluated.
• Environment/Climate: The Philippines’ 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution is still due and monitoring bodies point to persistent challenges in implementation, enforcement outcomes, and data transparency, particularly at sub-national level and in sectors exposed to high environmental and climate risks.
• Governance: Persistent concerns regarding human rights violations, corruption within law-enforcement institutions, and social stigma associated with drug use continue to hinder the establishment of a fully effective and rights-based drug control system. Significant reforms remain necessary to strengthen transparency and oversight in public spending and procurement, and ensure independent investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, in particular those involving high-level officials.

For more information about the Philippines’ compliance with the GSP conventions, see the convention compliance database. Also see the factsheet on the Philippines.

Monitoring priorities during the reporting period 2024-2025

For the reporting period 2024-2025, the EU has focussed its monitoring activities on eleven priority areas. The conclusions from the previous mission, which took place when the former administration was still in power, showed a mixed picture with some positive developments under economic and social rights but continued violations of civil and political rights.