President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 104, temporarily reducing import duties on tin-mill blackplate (TMBP), a key material used in making food cans, to stabilize supply and lower production costs in the local food industry.
The order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President, was endorsed by the Economic and Development Council.
It aims to revitalize the domestic manufacturing of tin plate and tin-free steel, which are vital for food packaging, amid the lack of local TMBP production.
“There is no local production of TMBP, and there is also no local product that can substitute for said commodity,” the EO stated.
The reduced tariff rates take effect immediately and will remain in force for three years, subject to review after one year.
The government said the move will help strengthen local tin plate and tin-free steel industries by making raw materials more affordable and accessible to manufacturers.
According to the Economic and Development Council, the temporary tariff reduction is expected to promote consumer welfare by stabilizing supply chains, reducing production costs, generating jobs, and encouraging investments in related industries.
The council formally endorsed the reduction of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on TMBP on August 20, 2025.
Malacañang said the issuance of EO 104 aligns with Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution, which mandates the State to adopt a trade policy that promotes the general welfare. It also cited the authority granted to the President under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, to modify import duty rates in the interest of public welfare and national security.
All administrative issuances inconsistent with EO 104 are repealed or modified accordingly, the order stated.
The measure forms part of the Marcos administration’s broader strategy to curb rising food prices and ensure the stability of essential goods as the country continues to recover from global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.
