The European Union on Tuesday cleared the way for Philippine fish exports to the 28-member bloc after it took stock of the country’s achievements in curbing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The so-called “yellow card” issued in June 2014 served as a warning that, unless the Philippines implemented stronger measures against IUU fishing, Philippine fish exports would be permanently banned in the EU. The lifting of the yellow card is considered a significant development for the Philippine fisheries sector because it is expected to further boost exports to Europe. Data showed that fishery shipments from the Philippines to the EU amounted to 170 million euros in 2013, out of a total of 5.1 billion euros.

Remo, A. (2015, April 23). EU lifts trade warning on PH fish exports. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. B1, B2.