April 3, 2023

Philippines to import more pork due to ASF

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors (Pampi) said the country is expected to import more pork, due to the continued spread of African swine fever (ASF) and the government's decision to retain low import tariffs on vital agricultural imports, Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Precious Chua-Yu, secretary of Pampi, said the volume of pork imports is looking optimistic due to the retention of lower tariffs.

She also mentioned that imports may increase due to the spread of ASF in the country, particularly in areas that had previously reported zero cases.

According to data from the Philippines' Bureau of Animal Industry, as of March 27, ASF has so far affected 21 provinces in 11 regions.

Chua-Yu also cited a report from the US Department of Agriculture, which estimated that the nation's pork imports would rise by 4.3% to 600,000 metric tonnes in 2023.

Chua-Yu said that the Philippines' Department of Agriculture had issued numerous orders temporarily prohibiting the import of poultry products from countries thought to be contaminated with avian influenza, and that the outlook for pork imports appears more promising than poultry.

-      Philippine Daily Inquirer