Category Archives: Latest News

DTI and PHILEXPORT collaborates to promote Free Trade Agreement benefits 

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Export Development Council Meeting on 11 June 2024 to formalize the partnership between the two organizations in promoting the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) benefits.

Under the MOU, DTI and PHILEXPORT will collaborate on key initiatives such as conduct of a trade education and advocacy (TEA) campaign which includes regular dialogues and consultations on FTAs, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) and other similar accords; carry out capacity-building activities and mentorship programs for exporters; and provide networking and linkage opportunities for businesses and industry associations. Continue reading DTI and PHILEXPORT collaborates to promote Free Trade Agreement benefits 

Exports surge by 26% in April 2024

Merchandise exports surged by 26.4% year-on-year to reach $6.22 billion in April 2024, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This represents a strong recovery in the export sector after a 7.3% decline in March 2024.

The increase in exports was primarily driven by the electronic sector, which contributed $3.57 billion or 57.4% of the total export value. Other key contributors included manufactured goods at $331.3 million (5.3%) and mineral products at $287.65 million (4.6%).  Continue reading Exports surge by 26% in April 2024

BOC revision of rules in Ata Carnet 

The first successful use of the ATA Carnet for temporary admission took place in Switzerland on October 20, 2019, with subsequent operations following in Belgium, China, and Russia. During the pilot phase, participation was limited to selected Customs offices in these four countries. The tests verified that the eATA system functions effectively and that the ICC’s digital tools meet expectations. To support the adoption of eATA Carnets by national Customs agencies, the WCO ATA/Istanbul Administrative Committee approved a standardized notification template on November 16, 2020.

The ATA Carnet is an international Customs document allowing duty-free and tax-free temporary admission of most goods for up to one year. It streamlines the Customs process for countries, businesses, and border agencies by providing unified, ready-to-use declaration forms and eliminating the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit in the country of temporary importation
Continue reading BOC revision of rules in Ata Carnet 

The Philippines and Indonesia successfully conducted the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates

The Philippines participated in e-Phyto certificate  exchange during the 67th ASEAN Single window meeting. E-Phyto serves as the digital counterpart to a phytosanitary certificate, allowing data to be defined and shared in a standardized manner. The Philippines  began exchanging e-Phyto certificates with Indonesia on June 10, 2024, through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) (e-Phyto) Management Portal.

The e-Phyto consists of three main components: the Central Hub that facilitates the transfer of e-Phytos between National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), either through their own national electronic systems or by using the generic system; the Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS)  a web-based platform capable of generating and receiving ePhytos, enabling countries without a national electronic system to create, send, and receive ePhytos; the Harmonization is a structured format of mapping, codes and lists. Continue reading The Philippines and Indonesia successfully conducted the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates

Highlights of the Interagency Strategic Planning for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) – National Coordinating Council (NCC)

Highlights of the Interagency Strategic Planning for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) – National Coordinating Council (NCC)

The two-day Interagency Strategic Planning event for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)—National Coordinating Council (NCC) was a collaborative effort that took place on June 27-28, 2024, in Makati City.

This event, organized in partnership with the UPSKILL project and facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), currently serving as the Interim Secretariat, was a significant step in aligning the agencies’ efforts and setting a clear strategic direction for the future of the PQF-NCC. Continue reading Highlights of the Interagency Strategic Planning for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) – National Coordinating Council (NCC)

Philippine Exporters Prepare for EU’s New Carbon Border Rules

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

Philippines Shines with 5.7% GDP Growth: Exports and Key Sectors Lead the Surge

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.
Continue reading Philippines Shines with 5.7% GDP Growth: Exports and Key Sectors Lead the Surge

DTI Inks Tatak Pinoy Act IRR to Boost Filipino Products and Services Globally

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 IRR provides a detailed framework outlining the roles and responsibilities of partnered industries. It focuses on key areas such as human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management to ensure the act’s effective implementation.

The IRR was drafted by the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), led by Undersecretary Aldaba and Assistant Secretary Baluyut, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (USAID-RESPOND), which provided technical support.

For more information on the Tatak Pinoy Act, please contact the Tatak Pinoy Council Interim Secretariat at TatakPinoy@dti.gov.ph. JVL

EDC and BOC Strengthen Collaboration to Streamline Customs and Boost Trade

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. Continue reading EDC and BOC Strengthen Collaboration to Streamline Customs and Boost Trade