PBGEA to raise trade issues with Australia

return to within target inflation in 2019 and to approach the midpoint of the target range in 2020,” the central bank added.

The PSA said there were mixed movements in the inflation rates of the different commodity groups.

Six commodity groups posted higher inflation, namely housing, water, electricity gas, and other fuels (4.8 percent); furnishing, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house (3.7 percent); health (4.3 percent); transport (8.8 percent); recreation and culture (3.1 percent); and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services (4.2 percent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation barely changed to October’s 9.4 percent from September’s 9.7 percent. The alcoholic beverages and tobacco basket was also stable at 21 percent in October from 21.8 percent last month.

Price increases slowed in corn and meat, both at 7.5 percent; fruits, 4.3 percent; and vegetables, 15.8 percent.

Other food groups registered higher annual increments in October.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it could be considered “good news” that the headline inflation “did not go up.”

Panelo also believed that the latest inflation rate reflects the government’s efforts to temper the rising prices of goods.

“Considering the directives

THE Philippine Banana Growers and Export Association (PBGEA) will be raising issues on Philippine banana importation in Australia during the 4th Philippines-Australia Agriculture Forum (PAAF) in Canberra, Australia.

PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig said the presence of PBGEA was included because the topic of the export of Philippine bananas to Australia has been added to the agenda.

“Kini siya usa ka pamaagi arun masettle of the President, supplying us with food and other measures undertaken by the Department of Finance, as well as agriculture and trade. I think that contributes,” the Palace official said in a press conference.

“Apparently, the measures undertaken by the government has affected the inflation rate. So we will maintain it,” he added.

On September 21, pud nato kung ngano ingun ato ang bases sa Australian market in terms of exporting bananas (This is also a way so that we can settle with them regarding with the bases of the Australian market in terms of exporting bananas),” Antig said in an interview.

The Philippines, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) will be presenting a paper focusing on the import requirements related to the number of leaves on banana plants and nonperforated packaging stated Duterte signed an administrative order and three memoranda to tame the soaring prices of goods and basic commodities.

Administrative Order 13 aims to streamline procedures on the importation of agricultural products, while Memorandum Orders 26, 27, and 28 seek to stabilize prices of basic agricultural commodities at reasonable levels and maintain their sufficient supply in the domestic in Australia’s Import Risk Analysis Report. BPI is also expecting a collaboration with PBGEA in coming up with a stronger stance regarding the issue

Antig said the Australian market has been requiring the Philippine banana export industry to have eight leaves prior to harvest, and that nonperforated plastic bags should be used to pack the product.

“Ang among gakatingalahan pud is ngano okay lang sa uban namo international markets market.

Asked if the government expects inflation to slow down in the next few months, Panelo said: “Well, hopefully. It depends on the global conditions.”

The Bangko Sentral earlier forecast the October 2018 inflation to range from 6.2 percent to seven percent, while the Department of Finance projected it at 6.5 percent. (SunStar Philippines) pero pag abot sa Australia naa ingun ani nga requirements (What we are wondering is why we are approved with our other international markets but when it comes to the Australian market these requirements show up),” Antig said.

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture-International Affairs Division will also be attending the event representing the Philippine agricultural sector. (SunStar Philippines)