PNoy re-imposes zero tariffs on imported wheat, cement

President Benigno Aquino III signed two executive orders on Jan. 14 re-imposing zero-tariffs on imported wheat and cement for six months to cushion the impact of rising prices due to the products' low availability in the world market, Malacañang said Monday. The President signed Executive Orders 21 and 22, reducing the rates of import duty on milling wheat and cement and clinker, respectively, to zero. According to EO 21, “reducing the rate of duty on milling (food) wheat to zero would support efforts to lower the cost of producing wheat flour which would help stabilize prices of bread, e.g., pandesal and other bread products as well as noodles." EO 22 “would support continued economic activity arising from the construction sector undertaking all kinds of construction projects," according to the order. In February 2010, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — now Pampanga 2nd District representative — suspended for six months the tariffs on cement and wheat through EOs 862 and 863, respectively, but orders expired in August 2010. The National Economic Development Authority on Nov. 25, 2010 endorsed the recommendation of the Tariff and Related Matters Committee to reduce the duty on milling wheat and cement to zero for another six months subject to further review. — Amita Legaspi/VS, GMANews.TV