RP tuna seen gaining greater access to US market

The US is willing to extend some form of concession to the country by allowing Philippine tuna more access to the US market.

This was reported by Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II following a meeting with US assistant trade representative Ralp Ives.

During the meeting, Roxas said, the Philippine panel pressed its case for greater access to the US market.

"Ives received our position positively and discussed possible ways to address the same in the form of a legislative or executive action," Roxas said.

"The US panel also asked for more information regarding tuna exports to the US and which communities would directly benefit from increased tuna exports," he added.

The Philippines has proposed an arrangement wherein the US would allow more Philippine canned tuna export in exchange for the country’s continued support of the US fight against terrorism.

Roxas told Ives that most of the tuna exports come from Mindanao where the US is now concentrating its drive to fight terrorism.

Earlier, Roxas said the ports of Zamboanga and General Santos among those that would benefit by increased access of the Philippine tuna to the US.

The Philippines also conveyed its apprehension over the possible adverse effect of the Andean Preferential Trade Agreement on Philippine tuna exports.

The Andean Preferential Trade Agreement will increase the allowed tuna exports of several Andean countries to the US in exchange for their support of the US fight against drugs.