Exporters attended a session on the European Union’s (EU) new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which charges for carbon emissions in the production of goods entering the EU, while also encouraging cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.
CBAM experts emphasized discussions focused on how this regulation could impact the competitiveness of Philippine exports in the EU market, particularly for goods exports such as chemicals, plastics, steel, iron, aluminum, fertilizers, cement and similar materials. Continue reading Philippine Exporters Prepare for EU’s New Carbon Border Rules
The Philippines’ latest gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7% in the first quarter of 2024, led by gains in financial and insurance, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing sectors. The services sector rose by 6.9%, industry and agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors by 5.1% and 0.4%, respectively.
On May 22, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual along with Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, the conceptualizer and author of the Act and other notable signatories signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11981, also known as the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act. This legislation aims to support and promote Filipino-made products and services globally.
The Export Development Council (EDC) has bolstered its collaboration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and its consultative bodies, the Central Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) and BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) CICAC, to streamline customs processes and enhance partnerships between the government and private stakeholders. CICAC acts as a bridge between the BOC and the business-industrial sector, addressing customs and industry-related issues, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening relationships. 
The Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), offers a variety of programs and services to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. These programs include:
Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco addressed the Logistics Summit 2024, outlining key Supply Chain and Logistics Issues in the Philippines, such as Infrastructure, Skills, Land, Sea, Air, and Digitalization. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) responded by launching initiatives to (1) Ensure accessible and affordable food, (2) Implement targeted interventions for priority industries, and (3) Foster industries meeting domestic demand.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its partnered agencies are advocating for the establishment of a unified accreditation system for air and sea freight forwarders, known as Harmonized Online Freight Forwarding Accreditation (HOFFA).
The Philippines achieved a historic milestone in 2023 as the total exports of goods and services reached USD 103.6 billion, marking a remarkable 4.8% increase from the recorded export performance of USD 98.83 billion in 2022. However, this falls short of $23.2 billion below the 2023 target outlined in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP).
ARISE Plus Philippines led the workshop on optimizing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program for Bureau of Customs Readiness, focusing on advanced supply chain and logistics principles to raise awareness among economic operators.
The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid raised the ongoing challenges posed by the inconsistencies in local government rules. These laws and regulations show varying and inconsistent interpretations in few cities. He noted that the Local Government units (LGUs) may have differing procedures for renewing local business permits, with some even requiring employees’ health certificates.