THE Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be signed during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Nov. 19, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.
Negotiations for the CEPA concluded in July and the pact marks the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Latin American country.
Roque said the agreement would open the South American country’s market, with a population of 440 million, to Philippine products.
The PH-CL CEPA is a comprehensive agreement that goes beyond traditional tariff liberalization and establishes a framework for deeper trade, investment and digital economy cooperation. It also incorporates commitments to inclusivity, sustainability and economic resilience, similar to what is outlined in its Environment, Labor, Global Value Chains and Trade and Gender chapters.
Roque previously said that the agreement would build on the complementary nature of the two economies. The Philippines exports electronic products, coconut products and personal care products to Chile. It also imports copper ores and concentrates, salmon and other products from the country.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has emphasized the importance of copper for the Philippines, especially for the country’s semiconductor, electronics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing industries.
The DTI added that with these complementary strengths, the CEPA would create new opportunities for collaboration across value chains, technology exchange, investments and the adoption of sustainable practices.
It also noted that the conclusion of the FTA negotiations would come at a particularly meaningful time, with the Philippines and Chile celebrating the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year.
Philippine imports from Chile more than doubled to $290.8 million in 2024 from $103.4 million in 2023. The country was also the Philippines’ 51st trading partner, 49th export market and 48th import source as of 2025.
Roque said the Marcos administration would go down in history as the administration with the most number of free trade agreements at 23.
