Philippine trade department’s export marketing bureau (EMB) plans to request the European Union (EU) to allow garment exports under its preferential trade scheme. Under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), up to 6,274 Philippine products can enjoy zero-tariff entry to the EU as long as the product originates from the Philippines.
A recent GSP+ monitoring report showed that the Philippines slowly increased its use of GSP+ preferences to 26 per cent of its total exports to the EU in 2018. In comparison, Bangladesh led GSP+ beneficiaries by placing 96.4 percent of its exports to the EU under GSP+, followed by Cambodia at 94.9 per cent.
The Philippines’ use of GSP+ compared with all eligible exports was 73.1 per cent. While this move will not make up for the remaining 26.9 per cent utilisation, the “principle” will bode well for other exports.
EMB, in partnership with the Bureau of Customs, will also conduct roadshows to Region 3, Region 4A, Cebu, Davao, and General Santos City throughout 2020 to promote self-certification of origin among exporters.
