Philippines: Import ban will not undermine canned fish production

Published 2024년 4월 5일

Tridge summary

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has implemented a ban on the importation of certain fish species, including mackerel, to prevent their diversion to wet markets and ensure an adequate supply for canning. This move, outlined in Department Administrative Order No. 14, series of 2024, is designed to combat tax evasion by importers and maintain fish populations by aligning with the open fishing season. Despite concerns from the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines regarding potential price hikes, Tiu Laurel assures that importers can import an additional 10% above their current usage to avoid shortages.

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Original content

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday defended his decision to ban the importation of certain species of fish, saying it would not undermine production of canned fish, particularly mackerel. In a statement, Tiu Laurel explained that importers “technically” are allowed to “import 10% more than what they are using now.” “So, I don’t see any reason why they fear a possible shortage in the supply of mackerel for canning,” he said. The Agriculture chief issued the statement after the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines warned that prices of canned mackerel may increase following the directive of the DA to suspend the issuance of import clearances for galunggong or round scad, mackerel, and bonito. On April 1, Tiu Laurel issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 14, series of 2024, suspending the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances of galunggong, mackerel, and bonito after receiving reports that these fish imported for canning, ...

Source: Gmanetwork