The European Commission has said that Philippine exports to the European Union grew by over 21 percent since last year.
In a statement, the head of the EU delegation Franz Jessen said that “an estimated PHP 120 billion worth of exports were benefiting from (General Scheme of Preferences) + trade preferences, especially in the food and agricultural sector.”
“This makes the EU the Philippines’ second largest export partner, after Japan and before the US and China,” Jessen said.
Exports of the Philippines to the EU under GSP+ increased from EUR 584 million in the first half of 2015 to EUR 903 million in the first half of 2017, the EC said.
The largest increases in 2017 were reportedly seen in animal products (+64%), fish and related products (+71%), prepared food (+60%), edible fruits (39%), but also automotive parts (+45%), leather (+77%), textile (145%) and footwear (+74%).
He said that as part of the Philippines’ commitment under GSP+, the EU and the Philippines also have an ongoing dialogue on the implementation of 27 international conventions on human and labor rights, the environment, and good governance.
“We see progress in some areas (for instance labor and environment), and have a frank discussion on others (such as death penalty),” he said.