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Phl, Japan to enhance agri trade, tech ties

The Philippine Star

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October 06, 2025

The Philippines and Japan have committed to enhancing cooperation in agricultural trade and technology, with Manila pressing Tokyo to remove tariffs on Philippine bananas and improve market access for pomelo, and Japan seeking to export fresh grapes to the Philippine market.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Japanese Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro met on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Ministers Meeting to discuss trade, technology transfer and sustainability collaboration.

Tiu Laurel said the Philippines raised concerns over banana tariffs, which currently reach 18 percent, making exports less competitive. Despite remaining as Japan's top supplier, the country’s banana market share in Japan fell to 75 percent in 2024 from 94 percent in 2023 amid increased competition from Ecuador and other countries.

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