Pork prices in the Philippines are expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks, with retail prices potentially reaching USD 6.25 per kg.
The Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (Propork) warns that farm prices could jump from USD 3.39 per kg to USD 4.11 per kg as seasonal demand surges while supply remains tight.
Propork President Eric Harina. Photo credit: Propork
“It is the start of the ‘ber’ months, so naturally more people will be buying local pork again,” said Propork President Eric Harina said in a radio interview. “We expect farm prices to go up.”
Despite the relatively low current farm prices, retail prices are already ranging between USD 5.89 and USD 380 per kilo. He attributed this to the discrepancy to weak production and ongoing challenges from ASF, which continues to affect the local swine industry.
Rainy season and ASF stall recovery
Mr Harina explained the pig health usually declines during the rainy months of July and August, further slowing down production.
The national hog inventory saw only a slight increase—from 8.7 million heads in 2024 to 8.8 million this year—underscoring the sector’s slow recovery.
“Production is weak,” said Mr Harina, noting that the industry is still waiting for the commercial availability of the ASF vaccine.
Local vs imported: A price tug-of-war
Local producers are also facing stiff competition from imported pork, which retails between USD 4.29 and USD 5.36 per kg. This is much lower than local pork.
Mr Harina pointed out that demand for local pork has declined as consumers turn to imports.
“We’ve noticed that our sales are slow because imported pork is cheaper,” he said.
To support local producers and improve price transparency, Mr Harina recommended streamlining the supply chain. This can be done by removing middlemen and strengthening direct farm-to-retailer systems.