November 8, 2025
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 104, temporarily reducing the import duty on tin-mill blackplate (TMBP)—the primary material used in producing tin plates and tin-free steel used in cans for canned food—to help stabilize the supply chain and lower production costs in the country’s canned food industry.
By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the measure, endorsed by the Economy and Development Council, which seeks to revitalize local tin plate and tin-free steel manufacturing—key components in food packaging—amid the absence of domestic TMBP production.
The new tariff rates will take effect and remain in force for three years, subject to review after one year.
“At present, there is no local production of TMBP, and there is also no local product that can substitute for said commodity,” EO No. 104 stated.
TMBP serves as the main material in the production of Tin Plate (TP) and Tin-Free Steel (TFS), which are primarily used in the canned food industry.
According to the Economy and Development (ED) Council, temporarily modifying the rate of import duty on TMBP will revitalize domestic TP and TFS industries, promoting consumer welfare by stabilizing the supply chain, lowering production costs, generating employment, and fostering a favorable environment for investment.
On 20 August 2025, the ED Council endorsed the reduction of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on TMBP.
The Palace stated that all other issuances, administrative rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with EO 104 are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
In issuing the EO, the Palace cited Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution, which mandates the State to pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare, and Republic Act No. 10863, or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” which empowers the President—upon the recommendation of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)—to adjust existing import duty rates in the interest of general welfare and national security. – PND