January 20, 2021

Philippines to import pork from February 1 to address "lack of supply"

Starting February 1, the Philippines will import 54,000 tonnes of pork from the United States and Europe to address the lack of supply of pork, the Philippine agriculture department said on January 19, PanayNews reported.

According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes, more than four million swine were directly and indirectly lost due to African swine fever- 400,000 fatalities were reported, while the rest resulted from swine farmers deciding to cut production.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez adds, "We are supporting the DA. If local producers can't meet the demand, we allow importation so that the supply can catch up to the consumers' demand."