Marcos OKs zero tariff on imported metal sheet used in food canning for 3 years

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered to reduce the tariff rate on tin-mill black plates (TMBP), a key material used in canned foods manufacturing, to 0% for three years.

Under Executive Order No. 4, issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President, Marcos noted that “at present, there is no local production of TMBP and there is no local product that can substitute the commodity,” thus the current 3% tariff on importing TMP will be suspended.

TMBP serves as the main raw material in the production of tin plates and tin-free steel, which are primarily used in the canned food industry.

Marcos issued EO 104 after the Economy and Development (ED) Council recommended the reduction of the tariff rate on TMBP.

In its recommendation, the ED Council said that temporarily modifying the import duty rate on TMBP would revitalize local tin plate and tin-free steel industries and promote consumer welfare by stabilizing the supply chain, lowering the production costs, generating employment, and fostering a favorable environment for investments.

The EO 104, issued on November 6, 2025, takes effect 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, and shall be in full effect for a three-year period upon its effectivity. —VAL, GMA Integrated News