As Washington reviews the Philippine submissions, Mr. Rodolfo said he is “reasonably optimistic” that the US will consider removing the 12.5% levy on Philippine exports. It also established the rules for investigating and prohibiting the import of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labor. The JAO was signed by the Secretaries of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, and Finance in July. Last month, the US imposed a 12.5% tariff on Philippine-made goods after a USTR probe ruled that the country is importing goods made with forced labor. This replaced the 10% baseline tariff imposed on Philippine exports, which expired on July 24.