April 16, 2021

The Philippines reports pork shortage caused by African swine fever

The Philippines' National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the Philippines has recorded a pork supply deficit after African swine fever (ASF) spread through the country, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Karl Kendrick Chua, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, said the Philippines' swine inventory is 3 million heads lower or 24% down from last year as of February 8, citing a Philippine Statistics Authority report.

Chua said the decline in pork stocks was due to ASF.

Chua also said the Philippines' estimated carcass pork deficit for this year is 477,000 tonnes, adding that the supply deficit has led to pork prices surging at retail.

Last week, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte issued an executive order to reduce tariffs on imported pork for a year.

- Xinhua News Agency