The current Panamanian Government took office in September 1999. The previous Government joined the WTO and lowered tariffs to a maximum of 15%, except for a few agricultural products, and to an overall average of 12%, the lowest in the region. The revised import duty structure was significantly lower than the one negotiated for WTO accession and represented a substantial commitment to trade liberalization. The current Government has maintained this policy with regard to manufactured products but has largely reversed it for agricultural products. Duties for most agricultural products have been increased to the maximum limits permitted by the WTO. Additionally, the Government has erected substantial non-tariff barriers for certain agricultural products including pork, produce (permanent barriers), beef, poultry and rice (seasonal barriers). The mechanism utilized has been alleged phytosanitary concerns over non quarantine diseases. The Government has declared it will abide by WTO commitments.