Philippines pushes for lower tariffs on banana exports to Japan

The Philippines government has requested lower tariffs on banana exports to Japan, according to a report by Manila Bulletin. Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel told the publication he had appealed the country’s request to amend the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) for a third time, requesting a reduction in duties to between 5 and 8 per cent. Philippine banana exports to Japan currently incur an 8 per cent tariff between October and March, and a higher duty of 18 per cent from April to September. While Japan remains the largest market for Philippine bananas, accounting for around 75 per cent of total exports, it has lost dominance in the market as other countries with lower tariffs have gained momentum. “We reiterated our request that our bananas be granted a lower tariff,” Tiu Laurel said in an interview. “This is because other countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico, are already moving toward zero tariffs.” According to Manila Bulletin, ...