Philippine Dairymen Seek Higher Tariffs

WASHINGTON - Jun 21/06 - SNS -- Dairy producers in the Philippines want their government to increase liquid milk tariffs to 18% from the current 3%, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Producers say the increase is needed to protect their growing, yet relatively young industry, as well as to reduce the country's dairy imports. Under the Philippine WTO schedule, the bound rate for liquid milk (HS 0401) is 18%.

According to Danilo Fausto, President of DVF Dairy Farms Inc., among all Asian countries, the Philippines is the least concerned in protecting its dairy industry.

"It's the lone country that has a single digit tariff on milk and milk products, unlike India which maintains a tariff range of between 35-60%. Other neighboring countries also have double digit rates like Thailand's 20-40%, Japan's 21-40%, China's 20-25% and Vietnam's 20%."

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