The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) has called for urgent and strict enforcement of anti-dumping regulations against flood of unfairly priced imports to protect local industries.
FFCCCII President Henry Lim said in a statement as he expressed grave concern over the increased reciprocal 20 percent tariff on all Philippine exports to the US starting August 1.
The Filipino-Chinese has also called for comprehensive measures to combat smuggling as well as support mechanism for affected agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
“Our domestic industries require and deserve a level playing field in global markets. Protect our workers and farmers,” said Lim.
FFCCCII also supports efforts by the government to use diplomacy to negotiate fairness and to protect Philippine national interests and the domestic economy.
Aside from sending a negotiating team to lobby for reduced tariffs, Lim also urged for accelerated negotiations for the proposed US-Philippines Free Trade Agreement.
Parallel moves to strengthen multilateral agreement through the World Trade Organization must be pursued, he said.
The group noted that the US decision to impose additional punitive tariffs on Philippines violates fundamental WTO principles of non-discrimination and fair trade.
