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 II.  BILATERAL TRADE WITH THE PHILIPPINES
     Value in US$ Million

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• Business process outsourcing (BPO), especially contact centers, and ICT services to US-based companies remain lucrative opportunities for the Philippines owing to its advantage in manpower skills and relatively low-labor cost;
  
  

• Another opportunity is in the animation and live film productions, where US-based companies can do production work in the Philippines, or actually move production in the country. One such movie company actually intends to move his production from Thailand to the Philippines due to the strengthening of the Baht and other concerns;
  
  

• For the automotive parts sector, the sector to focus on is on the agribusiness equipment sector in the United States. The agribusiness equipment industry in the US, particularly replacement parts is expected to grow 53 percent in 2007;
  
  

• The best opportunities in the USA for food industry include seafood and a variety of specialty foods such as ready-to-eat food preparations; fresh and processed fruits. Those, which emphasize convenience, great taste and diversity, are leading the growth of the food sector;
  
  

• The wide acceptance of oriental food in the mainstream American Market provide opportunity for RP ethnic food exporters to expand their market share;
  
  

• Another opportunity for Philippine food products is the growth of the Hispanic market, which consumes some food products similar to what the Philippines is making. The cultural affinity of both nations provide an opportunity for RP food manufacturers to understand their culture, thus cater to their particular need more easily;
  
  

• New York City's Fashion District is still considered the largest worldwide concentration of apparel trade. Rhode Island has high industry and market concentration for fine/costume jewelry;
  
  

• For gifts and houseware, the existing nationwide trade channels of companies in the US Southwest (i.e. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) can be tapped. This area is considered to be the center of American folk arts and crafts. For New Mexico, PTIC-LA is recommending the participation in its Balloon Fiesta for RP products such as costume jewelry, arts and crafts, home furniture, processed food and beverages such as dried mango juice; and provider of services such as hotels, health and wellness, medical tourism and resorts. 

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1. www.usitc.gov  ( US tariff rates) - Free
   
   

2. www.ustr.gov  (US GSP information) - Free
   
   

3. www.census.gov  (Rules on importation into the US) - Free

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