Philippines intends to import 400,000 tons of pork

The Philippine market is set to accept 400,000 tons of pork at a rate of 5% instead of 30% as the Asian country faces a massive shortage of animal protein and price spikes. Additional volumes up to 200,000 tons will be imported into the country at a tariff of 15% instead of 40%, according to an order signed by President Duterte, valid until June.

“Right now, many in the industry are rushing to apply for pork imports. I think most of the imports will benefit from the Executive Order. Depending on what happens in the economy, we believe that imports could even exceed 400,000 tons and reach 600,000 metric tons this year with total imports under what we call MAV (Minimum Access Amount),” said Jet Ambalada, DIRECTOR of the Philippine MEAT Processors Association, at a webinar hosted by the British Chamber of Meat Producers. 

At present, pork is still sold at higher prices in the market, as import tariffs are between 30% and 40%. “Now we need to make sure that imported carcasses have easy access to markets,” said Jesús Cham, president of the Philippine Meat Importers and Traders Association. The Philippines is currently 23% dependent on pork imports, but this dependence could increase as the country faces an ongoing outbreak of ASF since 2019. Since then, more than 400,000 pigs have been culled in 5 provinces of the country.

it could take about three years for production to return to pre-ASF levels, according to the Philippine Pork Producers' Federation.