UK poised to compete for share of Philippine pork market

In 2020, British exporters sent £2.2 million worth of pork to the Philippines, most of which was offal. 

The UK pig industry is looking to gain a larger share of the Philippine pork market as the country lowers import tariffs to cover the high domestic pork shortage. British exporters sent £2.2 million worth of pork to the Asian country last year, competing with Spain, the US and CANADA. A recent study by the BMPA shows that the UK MEAT industry could face up to £120 million in additional costs due to Brexit, so every new market proves its importance.

Bethan Wilkins, senior analyst at AHDB, notes that Philippine import tariff cuts have "definitely helped" in a highly competitive UK pork market. However, much will depend on "how we can benefit from this, given the competitive nature of the market and its price sensitivity," The Grocer quoted the expert as saying. 

Meanwhile, the size of the Philippine market will never be able to fully offset the loss of Chinese exports, Wilkins suggests, although similar action could be taken by other ASF-affected countries such as Vietnam.