The Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., announced a significant economic measure to bolster the domestic canned food sector, authorizing the temporary reduction of the import tariff on tin-mill blackplate (TMBP). Effective immediately, this calculated policy shift aims to mitigate spiraling production costs and ensure stability within the crucial food supply chain, according to an announcement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday, November 9, 2025.
Addressing Supply Chain Vulnerability
The decision to lower the import duty on TMBP—a critical raw material used in manufacturing tin plate and tin-free steel—comes as the local industry contends with major supply chain pressures. Tin plate and tin-free steel are essential components for food packaging across the Philippines.
Significantly, the PCO noted the complete absence of any domestic production of TMBP within the archipelago. This reliance on imported materials leaves local manufacturers vulnerable to global price fluctuations and disruptions. By reducing the tariff, the administration seeks to lower the input costs for businesses that convert TMBP into finished packaging materials.
The measure is intrinsically linked to supporting the thousands of businesses and jobs reliant on the country’s vibrant canned food industry, which plays a vital role in national food security.
New Tariffs and Industry Impact
The revised tariff rates are designed to provide immediate relief and long-term stability. The new rates will remain in effect for a duration of three years. However, the policy includes a crucial safeguard: a mandatory review after the first year of implementation. This mechanism ensures that the government can quickly assess the measure’s effectiveness and adjust the rates if necessary, responding to evolving market conditions or unforeseen impacts on local industries.
For the canned food sector, this tariff reduction translates directly into facilitating the more cost-effective production of crucial packaging materials, such as tin plate and tin-free steel. This initiative is expected to reduce manufacturing overheads, potentially slowing or reversing the trend of price increases for essential consumer goods.
Bolstering Local Manufacturing
While the Philippines does not produce TMBP, the policy is structured to revitalize related local manufacturing efforts. By making TMBP more affordable, the government encourages greater efficiency and output among local firms that process and convert the material into consumer-ready packaging.
This strategic economic maneuver reflects a broader governmental commitment to using targeted trade policy levers to safeguard essential sectors. Beyond immediate cost savings, the move is intended to inject confidence into the packaging and food industries, encouraging sustained investment and operational expansion.
Local businesses are now positioned to capitalize on the reduced import costs, which could ultimately lead to more competitive pricing for consumers. Stakeholders across the canned food supply chain, from raw material importers to final product retailers, are expected to benefit from this timely intervention, ensuring that one of the nation’s most crucial food industries maintains resilience and stability.