Philippine's MITA ask for 50% tariff cuts for food
Filipino meat importers and traders are asking for a cut of 50% in tariffs placed on food products such as meat, poultry and seafood. Currently, tariffs are ranging from 10% to 40%, according to the MEAT Importers and Traders Association (MITA), quoted by Business Mirror newspaper.
"We hereby signify our support to permanently reduce the tariff rates on meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables", said the association in a paper remitted to the Tariff Commission within the Congress.
The group noted that Filipinos spend more of their income on food, around 35%, compared to Americans who spend less than 10%. “A reduction or realignment of tariff rates can be the first step to grant such relief”, shows the letter from MITA.
On the other hand, local farmers and producers are unhappy with the idea, considering that a decrease of prices it will soon happen as the Chinese tariffs on American food product will redirect part of those supply in the Filipino market.
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