March 2, 2026

 

Farmers group urges Philippines to reduce pork imports

 

 

Farmers group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) is pressing the government of the Philippines to cut pork imports to support local hog raisers and boost domestic production.

 

In an interview, SINAG chairman Rosendo So said pork imports this year should be cut to 550,000 metric tonnes from 850,000 MT, citing substantial oversupply due to carryover stock from earlier imports.

 

So noted that cold-storage facilities are full of imported pork, which importers are rushing to sell in the domestic market.

 

Last year, the country consumed 1.58 million MT of pork, while local production stood at just 1.06 million MT. Imports, meanwhile, exceeded 851,000 MT, according to the latest available industry data.

 

The surplus, So said, has pushed down prices for locally produced pork and discouraged farmers from rebuilding their swine herds.

 

He said imported dressed pork is now selling for around ₱80 (US$1.40) to ₱100 (US$1.80) per kilo, with better cuts priced at about ₱120 (US$2.10) per kilo.

 

In contrast, locally produced pork goes for around ₱165 (US$2.95) per kilo live weight, or about ₱206 (US$3.70) per kilo after slaughter and dressing.

 

"If dressed imported pork can be bought at ₱120 (US$2.10) per kilo and resold at ₱150 (US$2.70), trader buyers and food outlets will naturally choose the cheaper imported product," So said.

 

"Who will have the courage to repopulate their swine herds if they cannot earn a living?" he added.

 

By reducing imports, So said, local farmers would be encouraged to rebuild their swine herds and supply the domestic market.

 

"The government saw that situation with rice, so the same approach should be applied to pork," the SINAG chairman stressed.

 

A four-month import ban was previously imposed on regular and well-milled rice to give the domestic market time to absorb local supply and help farmers sell their palay at fair and reasonable prices.

 

Furthermore, SINAG is urging the Department of Agriculture and other relevant agencies to reinstate higher tariffs on pork.

 

The group wants the previous tariff structure of 30% in-quota and 40% out-quota restored, replacing the current rates of 15% in-quota and 25% out-quota introduced in 2021.

 

- The Philippine Star