Philippines Announced to Implement Zero-Tariff on White Sugar by the end of 2010

According to the report from Philippines on February 4th 2010, to revive the shortage and guarantee supply, President of Gloria Arroyo officially signed No.857 administrative decree on January 29, to announce the implementation of zero-tariff policy on imported white sugar by the end of 2010. According to this decree, the State Grain Bureau as well as private enterprises can import white sugar on zero-tariff, but the total import volume shall be determined by Minister of Agriculture and Minister for Trade and Industry. Huang Yanhui, the Minister of Agriculture, announced in an early time that China will import 15,000 tons white sugar from May to August. At present, the retail price of sugar in Philippines market has exceeded the price of 52 piaster per kg. stipulated by Ministry of Trade and Industry.