MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 104, temporarily lowering the import duty on tin-mill blackplate (TMBP)—the primary material used to produce tin plates and tin-free steel for canned food production—to help stabilize the supply chain and reduce production costs.

By the authority of the President, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the measure, endorsed by the Economy and Development Council, aimed at revitalizing local tin plate (TP) and tin-free steel (TFS) manufacturing amid the absence of domestic TMBP production.

“At present, there is no local production of TMBP, and there is also no local product that can substitute for said commodity,” EO No. 104 stated.

The new tariff rates will take effect immediately and remain in force for three years, subject to review after one year.

According to the Economy and Development Council, temporarily modifying the import duty on TMBP will support domestic TP and TFS industries, stabilize supply chains, lower production costs, generate employment, and foster a favorable environment for investment. The council initially endorsed the reduction of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on TMBP on August 20, 2025.

The Palace also stated that all other issuances, administrative rules, and regulations inconsistent with EO 104 are repealed or modified accordingly.

The issuance of EO 104 cites Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution, mandating the State to pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare, as well as Republic Act No. 10863, the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” which empowers the President—upon recommendation of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development—to adjust import duty rates in the interest of general welfare and national security.