DTI to consult with canners after fish import freeze
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is set to meet with canners to discuss concerns about access to supply after the suspension of import permits for types of fish they use as raw material.
Undersecretary for Communications Jose Edgardo G. Sunico told reporters on Thursday that the meetings are routine consultations with the industry, though the potential for disrupted supply will be top of the next session’s agenda.
On Monday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) halted the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for fish intended for institutional buyers.
The DA reported that imported round scad (galunggong), mackerel, and bonito, meant for the use of canners and processors, are being diverted to public markets.
Mackerel intended for canning was exempted from the import permit freeze.
“There will be a special focus (at the next meeting) to see about needed interventions from the DTI,” Mr. Sunico said.
Other topics will include possible price increases, he said.
The Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines has warned earlier that the supply of canned mackerel may be disrupted due to the import freeze and raised the possibility of higher prices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said about 90,000 to 100,000 metric tons of imported fish were being diverted each year.
Separately, Mr. Laurel said he does not expect any supply concerns for canned mackerel as imports of the fish were exempt from the freeze.
Volumes of imported mackerel are to be based on the VATable sales of the canned product during the prior year, plus an additional 10%.
“Technically, they should be able to import 10% more of what they are using now. So I don’t see any reason (to fear for supply),” he said in an interview with government network PTV. — Adrian H. Halili