The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed optimism regarding potential tariff reductions on Philippine banana exports to Japan, following discussions with Japanese officials.
On March 10, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led a Philippine delegation in meetings with Japan’s State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Hirofumi Takinami and Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama. The discussions focused on a review of tariffs under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) to promote a fairer trade environment.
Currently, fresh banana exports from the Philippines to Japan face an 18% tariff from April to September and an 8% tariff from October to March under JPEPA. The Philippines remains Japan’s top banana supplier, holding 75% of the market share.
DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that lowering tariffs would help maintain the competitiveness of Philippine bananas in the Japanese market and enhance opportunities for local producers.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that a more favorable export environment would particularly benefit banana farmers in Mindanao, attracting investment in production, supporting job creation, and strengthening economic stability in the region.
As of February 2024, there were 841,304 registered banana farmers in the Philippines, according to the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. In 2023, the Philippines exported 985,461 metric tons (MT) of bananas to Japan, representing 41% of its total 2.35 million MT global banana exports.
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