Most agri exports exempted from US tariffs — DTI

MOST of the Philippines' agricultural exports are now exempted from the 19% US reciprocal tariff, according to government officials.

- By Justine Irish D. Tabile Reporter

At a press conference on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said that the exemption, which was provided under US President Donald J. Trump's latest executive order, will provide relief to some Filipino exporters.

"With this last executive order, the majority of our agricultural exports in the United States are now exempted from reciprocal tariffs," Ms. Roque said.

"This includes coconut, coconut oil, coconut water, desiccated coconut, fruit juices, processed pineapples, confectionary goods, fresh and processed bananas, tuna filets, and dried fruits such as bananas, guavas, mangoes, mangosteens, and pineapples," she added.

These products generated over $1 billion in export value last year.

"These industries sustain thousands of Filipino farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and rural workers, and this decision offers not only immediate relief but also renewed confidence and stability," Ms. Roque said.

Last week, Mr. Trump issued an executive order modifying the scope of the reciprocal tariffs with respect to some agricultural products. This meant that hundreds of food products, including bananas, coconuts, coffee, pineapples and beef were exempted from the higher US tariffs. The order took effect on Nov. 13.

Prior to this order, most goods from the Philippines have been slapped with a 19% US tariff since August.