May 10, 2021

Philippines reduces planned pork imports to protect domestic swine industry

The Philippines will reduce its planned pork imports under its annual quota scheme from 404,000 tonnes to 254,210 tonnes, while increasing tariff rates to protect its domestic swine industry, Reuters reported. 

The revision is part of a compromise deal between Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte's economic team and senators looking to protect the domestic swine period. The deal is subject to the President's final approval.

Under the revised plan, tariff rates have increased from 5% to 10% for in-quota purchases, and 15% to 20% for out-quota volumes for the first three months after it is imposed.

Tariffs will be kept at 15% for in-quota purchases and 25% for out-quota imports for remaining nine months. These are higher than the previously announced 10% and 20% respectively.

William Dar, Philippines' Agriculture Secretary, said this is an important short-term measure to control surging pork prices in the country.

An African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the Philippines is estimated to have resulted in a 20% decline in domestic pork production, due to the culling of hundreds of thousands of swine to prevent the spread of the virus.

The spread of ASF in the country has caused a further 26% reduction in swine population in the first quarter of 2021/.

The Philippines is also implementing a major swine repopulation programme to increase long-term supply of domestic pork.

- Reuters