The Department of Agriculture is seeking preferential tariff rate for Philippine banana exports to Japan. Manila looks to review the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement as an initial opportunity to discuss the Philippine appeal. The agency has scheduled the first meeting of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Agriculture in the second quarter of this year.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking preferential tariff rate for Philippine banana exports to Japan.

Japan is the leading export destination for Philippine bananas, but 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.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also said Manila is looking to review the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) as an initial opportunity “to discuss the Philippines’ appeal for lower tariff on bananas.” JPEPA, signed in 2006, is a comprehensive bilateral trade and investment agreement between Japan and the Philippines aimed at increasing trade and investment opportunities between the two economies.

Under JPEPA, tariff on Philippine bananas is pegged at 8% from April 1 to September 30, and then increased to 18% for imports between October 1 and March 31.