Sun.Star: Tuna industry clamors for lower export tariffs

Mindanao businessmen are urging the national government to bolster efforts to improve the tuna sector in Mindanao -- one of the biggest revenue sources in the area. In a resolution to be proposed and discussed during the 6th Mindanao Food Congress, which will start August 15 here in Davao City, the Mindanao businessmen are seeking improved market access in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) markets. They also want government to forge fisheries access cooperation agreements with Pacific island nations. The tuna industry accounts for 12 percent of the country's total fish production and contributes an average of four percent to the General Domestic Product (GDP) with an average annual turnover of US$420 million. The tuna export industry suffered a setback when the Philippine government's request for an increase and extension of export quota allocation of canned tuna was denied by the EU despite a provision in the Tariff Quota Agreement stating that adjustments for increases may be reopened for discussion depending on the developments in the EU market. As stated in the resolution draft, the differential tariff imposed on Philippine tuna hurts the local industry. The businessmen pointed out that there is clear bias for African, Caribbean and Pacific nations, which enjoy zero tariffs on tuna exports. The US government's preferential treatment of tuna exports from Andean countries also puts Philippine products at a disadvantage. To counter this, Mindanao businessmen want government to explore possible measures to lower tariff duty on tuna exports and to continue negotiations with the EU and the United States for access to their markets. The group also wants more government infrastructure support to further enhance tuna industry competitiveness. - Sun.Star