Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
Last Published: 7/18/2019
  • Agents and distributors are commonly used in the Philippines and are essential for most U.S. companies. See “Selling U.S. Products & Services” section for more information on using agents and distributors.
  • Government procurement requires a foreign firm to have a local partner, with certain exceptions.  See Section 23.4 - Eligibility Criteria for procurement of goods and infrastructure projects, Section 24.3 - Eligibility Criteria for procurement of consulting services and Appendix 9 - Guidelines in the Determination of Foreign Suppliers, Contractors and Consultants to Participate in Government Procurement Projects of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 or The Government Procurement Reform Act http://www.gppb.gov.ph/laws/laws/RevisedIRR.RA9184.pdf).
  • U.S. companies should visit their agents and distributors to strengthen these relationships and assess the local companies’ abilities.  If possible, they should also visit existing and potential clients with their agents and distributors to promote their product lines and/or better understand client requirements.
  • U.S. companies should be patient yet diligent in pursuing contracts, particularly projects with the Philippine Government.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


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Philippines Trade Development and Promotion