The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Committee on International Trade (CIT) held its 4th Quarter Regular Meeting on November 21, 2025, in Quezon City, emphasizing the need to fast-track major trade negotiations to expand market access while protecting local industries.

Over 30 participants, including government officials and key stakeholders, attended the meeting, which was chaired by CIT Interim Chair Dr. Ernesto Ordoñez.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty reported that the Philippines–Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (PH-CL CEPA) is set for finalization by December 2025, aiming for 90% tariff liberalization. Though Chile is not a major trading partner, the agreement could open new opportunities for Philippine exports. Stakeholders also sought higher tariffs on imported abaca to safeguard local farmers.

Gepty reiterated the urgency of finalizing the Philippines–European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA) before the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which gives developing countries a special incentive to pursue sustainable development and good governance. EU GSP+ expires in 2027 to prevent key exports—such as tuna, coconut products, and carrageenan—from losing duty-free entry. The Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc., (PhilFoodEx) President Ruben See likewise urged swift approval of the PH-EU FTA to maintain stable EU market access.

On U.S. tariff negotiations, Philippine agricultural goods were spared from the current administration’s 19% duties. Gepty said the exemption resulted from coordinated lobbying by economists and government negotiators, who emphasized that many Philippine exports—such as tropical fruits and coconut products—are not produced domestically in the United States.

Meanwhile, on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Assistant Secretary Philip Young highlighted gains for agriculture, including zero tariffs on bananas to Japan by 2029. He affirmed that the CPTPP, PH-EU FTA, and PH-CL CEPA remain top government priorities.

During the open forum, Association of Abaca Pulp Manufacturers, Inc. (APMI) Executive Director Dr. Aurora Peralta noted that Chile is among the countries exporting abaca to the Philippines. She warned that allowing these imports could undermine local farmers. To safeguard the domestic industry, she urged the government to consider raising tariffs on imported abaca.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc., (PCAFI) President Danilo Fausto called for regular updates on FTA negotiations to reach the DA so farmers can prepare for trade liberalization. He emphasized the need for stronger Geographical Indication (GI) protection to enhance branding of Philippine products. Ordoñez recommended accelerating GI registration and adopting fair tariff measures, including safeguards for vulnerable sectors.

Carolyn Castro of the DA-Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO) recommended identifying potential markets and ensuring compliance with the specific standards of those markets to safeguard competitiveness and market access.

Participants also pushed for improved anti-smuggling efforts, boosted quarantine funding, closer coordination with the Bureau of Customs, upgraded DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAS) export portals, and PCAF transparent monitoring of DA-funded projects.| Jane Briña