The Philippine government is urging Japan to reduce tariffs on banana exports, as Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlights the disadvantages faced by local producers compared to competitors like Vietnam and Ecuador, which benefit from zero or preferential tariffs.
Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the Philippines currently pays an 18% tariff on banana exports from April to September and 8% from October to March. Laurel emphasized that Japan is the country’s largest market for bananas, making tariff reductions essential to maintaining the industry’s competitiveness.
To push for this change, Laurel is set to visit Japan and meet with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) to discuss possible adjustments. The Philippine government is also working to expand agricultural trade relations with Japan by securing market access for other commodities like fresh avocados and mangoes.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) remains optimistic that Japan will reconsider its tariff policies following high-level discussions between Philippine and Japanese officials on March 10. A favorable decision could provide a significant boost to Filipino banana farmers and exporters, ensuring stronger trade relations between the two nations.
