The Filipino Department of Agriculture is keen on negotiating for lower tariffs for bananas and the revival of its mango exports to Tokyo, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently met with Japanese officials and businessmen at the Asean-Japan Summit.
Tiu Laurel said the DA has already scheduled a meeting between Filipino and Japanese officials at the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Agriculture slated for the second quarter of this year. According to the DA, Philippine bananas are staples for Japanese consumers, accounting for 22 percent of their food basket. The Philippines’s proximity to Japan allows the country to deliver low-cost bananas and other tropical fruits compliant with Japanese food standards.
Given this, Tiu Laurel said Manila looks at the review of Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement as a good initial opportunity “to discuss the Philippines’ appeal for lower tariff on bananas.”
Although Japan is the leading export destination for Philippine bananas, this situation is under threat from Cambodia, Laos, Mexico, and Vietnam whose exports to Japan enjoy zero or preferential tariff, DA said in a statement.
Philippine bananas are a staple for Japanese consumers, accounting for 22% of their food basket. DA noted the Philippines’ proximity to Japan allows the country to deliver low-cost bananas and other tropical fruits compliant with Japanese food standards.
Source: portcalls.com