Filipino banana exporters are seeking presidential intervention to unburden them from customs fees that are making their products less competitive internationally. According to the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), certain penalties and fees imposed by the Customs bureau burden exporters, as these are forced to absorb additional costs amid stiff competition with other foreign banana producers and exporters.
As the Philippines continue to lose market share in Asian banana exports, PBGEA called on the government to suspend elements like correction fees, imposed by the BOC, to keep the export price of the country’s bananas competitive against foreign countries.
PBGEA said the government, particularly Marcos, must revisit Executive Order (EO) 554 series of 2006 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Source: businessmirror.com.ph