Philippines Pushes for Zero Tariffs on Banana Exports to Japan in Trade Deal Talks

The Philippines is strongly pushing for zero tariffs on its banana exports to Japan as negotiations for the revised Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) are being finalized, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque stated that among the key topics in the JPEPA renegotiations is the reduction or elimination of tariffs imposed on locally grown bananas. Currently, Philippine bananas face an 18 percent tariff from October 1 to March 31 and an 8 percent tariff from April 1 to September 30. These rates are higher compared to those imposed on bananas from neighboring ASEAN countries, hindering the export competitiveness of Philippine bananas. Through this tariff elimination, the Philippines aims to significantly improve market access in Japan and further develop its banana industry. "This is what we want, but let's wait for the final. What's important is that they are already open to talks," Roque said. Last year, the Philippines exported nearly three million metric tons (MT) of fresh bananas, an increase from 2.33 million MT in 2024. This performance allowed the country to regain its position as the second-largest banana exporter globally, following Ecuador. The surge in exports was attributed to a recovery in local banana production after plantations rebounded from pest-related damages. The government aims to conclude the JPEPA negotiations by November, aligning with President Duterte's priority to finalize free trade agreements. JPEPA, a bilateral economic agreement between the Philippines and Japan signed 20 years ago, seeks to revise the framework, addressing issues in agricultural and automotive trade, among others.