THE Trade department wants to renegotiate banana tariffs under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) to help the country become the world’s biggest supplier. “Our bananas have reclaimed number two position,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said on Wednesday. “We’re hoping with the Japanese support so we could really get the top spot again,” she added. Based on Food and Agriculture Organization data, the Philippines reclaimed its position as the world’s second-largest banana exporter last year after shipments climbed by 26 percent to 2.925 million metric tons. Ecuador ranked first with total exports of 6.41 million metric tons. https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/12/business/top-business/ph-targets-banana-crown-wants-japan-to-cut-tariffs/2276297 (ICE SINGAPORE)

Fonte notizia: The Manila Times, 12 February 2026