The Daily Tribune
Philippines, Japan target stronger agri trade, tech links
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. met with Japanese Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to enhance agricultural trade and cooperation.
Secretary Tiu Laurel urged Japan to improve market access for Philippine pomelo and remove tariffs on fresh bananas.
He highlighted that the current 18 percent tariffs on bananas have caused a decline in the Philippines' market share in Japan, from 94 percent in 2023 to 75 percent in 2024.
Minister Koizumi committed to reviewing the tariff issue, while Secretary Tiu Laurel expressed the Philippines' intent to pursue bilateral agreements and the ASEAN CEPT scheme for faster tariff relief and duty-free access.
The ministers also discussed technology transfer and sustainability efforts in the agricultural sector.
Japan, a significant importer of Philippine agricultural and fishery products worth over USD 1 billion in 2024, is also seeking market access for its fresh grapes in the Philippines.
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