April 29, 2010

Philippine pork suppliers call for halt on imports

Pork suppliers in the Philippines are asking the government to defer or cancel the importation of some 5,000 tonnes of pork, claiming the demand for it has been easing.

"Why import at this time when the expected arrival of the shipments would happen when pork prices are at their lowest?" the Swine Board, made up of hog farmers, financiers and slaughterhouse operators, said in a statement. "This intervention is unwise and uncalled for," the group said.

The government recently allowed Food Terminal Inc. to import up to 5,000 tonnes of pork because it expected a shortage of 5,000 to 10,000 tonnes. The shortage loomed after storms devastated crops and livestock in Luzon late last year.

But hog distributors said the importation would not be necessary because it would coincide with the lean season for pork. "The untimely and unexpected importation of pork will most certainly disturb and distort the market," the Swine Board said.