The Philippines has lifted its temporary ban on pork and pork products from Poland, reopening a key Southeast Asian market for Polish exporters.
The ban, imposed to protect the local market from African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in Poland since 2014, has now been replaced by a bilateral regionalization agreement.
Bilateral regionalization agreement
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the decision after signing the agreement, which allows imports from ASF-free zones even if outbreaks occur elsewhere in Poland.
According to DA Memorandum Order No. 1, signed on January 14, the new framework replaces a blanket ban with targeted recognition of safe areas.
The Bureau of Animal Industry reviewed Poland’s veterinary oversight and concluded that sufficient control measures are in place to minimize risks.
Market significance
Poland, one of Europe’s leading pork producers, exported over USD 1.39 billion worth of pork in 2023, primarily to EU markets. Shipments also reached the US, Canada, and parts of Asia.
Poland also ranks among the highest per-capita pork consumers, at over 50kg annually.
The Philippines, with a population of 122 million, is the world’s sixth-largest pork importer. It is also the second-largest buyer of Polish food products in Southeast Asia.
Pork is the country’s most popular meat, accounting for about half of the fresh meat market. Demand continues to rise due to population growth.
Trade and oversight
The DA emphasized that all import transactions must follow agreed terms and conditions, administrative circulars, and existing regulations.
Imports should align with the DA’s order covering bilateral recognition of ASF regionalization from accredited countries.
Poland exported 22,330 tons of meat to the Philippines between January and September last year, representing 1.9% of total import arrivals.
Key details:
- ✅ Ban lifted on January 14, effective immediately.
- ✅ Imports allowed only from ASF-free zones in Poland.
- ✅ Veterinary oversight and control measures deemed sufficient by Philippine authorities.
- ✅ Agreement expected to stabilize pork trade and retail prices.