The move by US President Donald Trump to impose a higher-than-expected tariff on the Philippines signals his unwavering determination to pressure Washington's trade partners to do their part in reducing the US deficit in tandem with its intensifying rivalry with China,

President Trump posted letters to his Truth Social platform Wednesday outlining tariff levels for seven countries. Trump said he would levy 30% tariffs on Libya, Iraq, and Algeria, effective Aug. 1. Moldova and Brunei will get 25% tariffs,

The local stock barometer retreated below 6,400 after spending most of Thursday in positive territory as investors priced in the United States’ latest round of tariffs, including a higher rate for the Philippines.