The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are seeking to expedite the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) amid uncertainties in global trade, with the next round of talks scheduled for October in Manila. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty,...
Cement manufacturer Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. (TCPI) said it is on track to open its ₱3.72-billion Batangas cement terminal by early 2026, which is expected to meet the growing demand for high-quality cement in Luzon. In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, the Department of Trade...
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will hold on-the-ground consultations with farmers and lawmakers to prepare for the deliberations on the proposed RICE Act, which aims to reinstate the regulatory powers of the National Food Authority (NFA). Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he has...
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has warned that the imposition of the 20-percent tariffs by the United States (US) on Philippine exports could harm businesses and consumers in both countries. FFCCCII, which comprises over 170 business and trade...
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) stated that the government must intensify its efforts to expand the country’s export markets to maintain the competitiveness of local industries amid the increase in tariffs on Philippine goods by the United States (US). In a statement, the...
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said the government remains “optimistic” about securing a beneficial trade deal with the United States (US), even as President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on Philippine goods to 20 percent. “Of course we’re always optimistic,...
The Department of Energy (DOE) has been keeping an eye out for potential violations within the oil industry amid concerns over possible cartelization. DOE Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Sharon S. Garin explained that the agency does not have official policies on these matters; however, it can act as a...
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a digital verification system among e-commerce merchants aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of online transactions. The DTI on Monday, July 7, said it has now opened the application process for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark for...
Motorists are getting another round of relief as oil prices are set to go down further this week. Starting Tuesday, July 8, gasoline prices will decrease by ₱0.70 per liter, diesel by ₱0.10 per liter, and kerosene by ₱0.80 per liter. Shell Pilipinas, Seaoil, PetroGazz, and PTT are among the...
Senator Rodante Marcoleta has filed a bill seeking to remove the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of electricity at all stages, in an effort to lower power rates and alleviate the financial burden on Filipino households and businesses. “The Philippines remains to be one of the...
President Marcos has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s coconut industry, citing its potential to create more rural jobs and increase farmers’ incomes. Marcos said this as he visited the Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc. (CPAVI) plant in...
More affordable food for Filipino families and thousands of new jobs in the country are expected as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) granted Green Lane certifications to 31 food security projects. In a statement on Friday, July 4, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the projects...