Recalibrating long-standing allocation frameworks is creating severe unpredictability for compliant importers who have built logistics and cold storage systems over decades.
A sudden overhaul of pork import allocation rules is unsettling established supply chains, even as the government expands access under Executive Order (EO) 116, according to the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham).
In a statement dated June 5, AmCham said it supports the policy intent of EO 116, which raises the pork minimum access volume (MAV) to 204,210 tons in 2026 from 54,210 tons, citing the need to ease supply constraints, address African swine fever (ASF) pressures and stabilize food prices for consumers.
However, the business group warned that recalibrating long-standing allocation frameworks is creating severe unpredictability for compliant importers who have built logistics and cold storage systems over decades to support nationwide food distribution.
“These operators have invested heavily in the country’s critical agricultural infrastructure, including specialized logistics and cold storage networks, ensuring the safe and efficient nationwide distribution of food,” AmCham said.
It added that abrupt changes to these integrated systems could trigger market instability and affect both the availability and pricing of pork.
Under EO 116, 30,000 tons of the MAV will be allocated to processors, while 120,000 tons is earmarked for Food Terminal Inc (FTI) and the Kadiwa program.
The remaining 54,210 tons regular MAV allocation will be divided among meat processors (50%), FTI (20%), and others (30%).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr earlier defended the increase in MAV, saying the proposal was made in 2025 when pork prices were high and domestic supply remained tight due to ASF-related losses.
He also pointed to additional inflation pressures, including global fuel costs and seasonal disease risks during the monsoon period.
He noted, however, that EO 116 is not yet being implemented as its implementing rules and regulations are still being drafted by the Department of Agriculture.
AmCham, for its part, said that while its efforts to improve transparency and curb abuse in the system are commendable, reforms must remain predictable, proportionate and grounded in data.
“Abrupt policy shifts undermine investor confidence and threaten the very supply chains tasked with delivering food security,” it said, adding that it supports calls for a temporary pause on implementation while the policy is reviewed.
The group said a more careful review would help ensure that final rules balance immediate consumer welfare with long-term market stability.
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