Philippine pork groups back import curbs, push for tariff restoration

Philippine pork producer groups welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s decision to temporarily restrict pork imports but said higher tariffs and longer safeguards are needed to provide meaningful relief to the domestic swine sector.

In a joint statement issued on November 9, the Agricultural Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP), Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (ProPork) and Philippine Pork Council Alliance Inc described Department Order No. 33 as a “welcome step” toward addressing what they described as serious injury to local producers caused by the continued influx of imported pork.

The organizations, however, argued that the newly announced 60-day quantitative restriction addresses only part of the problem and will not resolve what they consider the underlying causes of the sector’s financial difficulties.

The debate comes as the Philippines continues to rely on imported pork to supplement domestic supply. Earlier this year, the government increased the minimum access volume allocation for pork imports to 204,210 tons while maintaining reduced tariff rates. Import volumes have increased year-on-year since March even as domestic production continues to recover from disease-related disruptions.

The government has maintained that imported pork remains necessary to supplement supply and help moderate consumer prices while the domestic swine sector rebuilds. The DA has also accelerated herd repopulation and disease-control programs aimed at restoring local production and reducing long-term reliance on imports.

Tariff restoration remains top priority

The groups renewed their call to restore pork tariffs to 30% for in-quota imports and 40% for out-quota imports.

According to the statement, the current 15% and 25% tariff rates, along with a 10% tariff on pork jowls, have fueled an import surge that displaced local production and depressed farmgate prices. Producers pointed to the Department of Agriculture’s safeguard findings, which projected industry losses of as much as USD 1.6 billion (USD 1:PHP 62) this year, arguing that broader policy changes are needed to address the pricing imbalance facing domestic producers.

“Our position remains firm: the import restriction must be implemented now,” the groups said, adding that tariff restoration should proceed immediately if the industry is to recover from mounting losses.

Industry argues supply remains adequate

The groups also disputed concerns that tighter import controls could reduce pork supplies.

Citing DA estimates, they said pork stocks could last 92 days, while broader calculations including offals, fats, skin and pork jowls could extend supply coverage to about 120 days. Projections from the Industry Tripartite Council for Pork and Chicken suggest inventories could last as long as 143 days.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority data, local hog production reached 416.83 thousand tons in Q3 2026, bringing year-to-date production to 1.258 million tons. The groups said pork imports reached 653,634 tons as of September 2026, resulting in total pork supply of nearly 1.7 million tons by the end of the third quarter.

They further estimated domestic pork production could reach approximately 1.42 million tons for the full year, enough to support demand into the first quarter of 2027 when combined with existing imports and inventories.

Call for longer safeguards

While welcoming the safeguard measure, the groups argued that the 60-day duration is insufficient.

They are seeking an extension of the restriction to as much as 200 days, the maximum period permitted under the Safeguard Measures Act.

They also warned that the gap between the order’s announcement and implementation could spur importers to accelerate permit applications and shipments before the restrictions take effect, underscoring the need for immediate implementation.

Enforcement concerns remain

The groups also pressed for stricter Bureau of Customs enforcement, including stronger inspections against misdeclaration, misclassification, undervaluation and other forms of technical smuggling. They likewise called for updated reference values that better reflect prevailing import transaction prices.

Producers also sought transport and feed subsidies, arguing that many farms remain under severe financial pressure despite signs of recovery in domestic production.

The industry’s concerns come as the sector undergoes herd repopulation, biosecurity upgrades and ASF-control programs aimed at rebuilding domestic production. Imports, however, will remain part of the supply mix while output continues to improve.

They also urged the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development to approve the proposed restoration of higher pork tariffs, warning that failure to do so could undermine the impact of the DA’s safeguard action and prolong the cycle of import surges and depressed farmgate prices.

They said restoring higher tariffs, extending safeguards and strengthening enforcement are necessary to improve the competitiveness of the domestic swine industry and reduce its exposure to import-driven market pressures.