The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Thursday that the national
government may extend the zero tariff and duties on wheat imports by another six months to
cushion the impact of rising flour prices in preparation for the yuletide season.
In a press briefing on Thursday morning, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said the
technical committee on Tariff and Related Matters (TRM) is recommending to President
Benigno S. Aquino III the extension of Executive Order 863, allowing the duty-free entry of
wheat and flour in the country to stabilize prices of bread in the local market.
He said technical committee will now fast-track preparing the details of the executive order
before it will be presented to the Cabinet “so that the EO can be issued between the period of
October and November.”
Executive Order 863, issued on Feb. 19 this year, allowed the duty-free entry of wheat and
flour in the Philippines to stabilize prices and supply. The EO has expired this month.
Domingo said extending the zero duty on milling wheat would help stabilize, if not bring down
further, the prices of bread and other flour-based products in the local market. (PCOO/PIA)
