The Philippines is urging Brazil to lower its tariff on desiccated coconut to provide exporters greater market access while ensuring stability of the Brazilian food market.
In a webinar hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro said tariffs on desiccated coconut is at 55 percent.
Desiccated coconuts, fresh and dried, are the top food products exported by the Philippines to Latin America. In 2019, the Philippines exported $18 million worth of these products or 49 percent of total food exports to the region.
Brazil accounts for only 3 percent of Philippine exports of desiccated coconut.
Despite the increase in recent years, there is still opportunity for larger purchases.
Mauro reiterated the Philippines do not grant subsidies to its exports of agriculture products.
