P&G seeks tariff cut on raw material imports

Multinational consumer goods and personal care products manufacturer Procter and Gamble Phils. Inc. is seeking the reduction of import duties on raw materials used in the production of its major lines such as soaps, detergents and diapers.

In a letter request to the inter-agency Tariff Commission, P&G said it wants tariff for these inputs brought down from three percent to zero since these materials are not locally produced.

The company added the duty-free importation "will maintain prices or will at least defer planned price adjustments brought by the continuing economic crisis."

The reduction will hold off prices in P&G’s diverse product lines like bath soap, laundry soap, detergent bar and powder, shampoo and dental cream, among others.

P&G products include an array of well-known brands such as Camay, Ivory, Safeguard, Mr. Clean, Tide, Perla and Pampers. The company has been locally producing these items in its plants in Cabuyao, Laguna, Makati and Tondo. – Conrado Diaz Jr.