Farmers’ group calls on government to cut pork imports in the Philippines
The group proposes reducing annual imports and restoring higher tariff rates.
PHILIPPINES – Farmers affiliated with Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura are urging authorities in the Philippines to lower pork import volumes, arguing that large inflows are placing domestic hog producers at a disadvantage.
The group’s chairman, Rosendo So, said in a recent interview that pork imports for the year should be limited to 550,000 metric tonnes instead of the current level of about 850,000 metric tonnes.
According to So, the suggested reduction is necessary because imported pork that arrived earlier remains unsold, creating a supply surplus that is filling cold storage warehouses.
He explained that many storage facilities are currently packed with imported pork products, prompting traders to move quickly to release the stock into the domestic market.
Industry figures indicate that pork consumption in the country reached roughly 1.58 million metric tonnes last year, while domestic hog farms produced about 1.06 million metric tonnes during the same period.
At the same time, import volumes exceeded 851,000 metric tonnes, which farmers say has added to the pressure on local producers trying to compete in the marketplace.
So stated that the excess supply has pushed down market prices for locally raised pork, making it difficult for hog raisers to recover production costs and expand their operations.
Local pork, on the other hand, is sold at about US$2.95 per kilogram based on live weight, which translates to approximately US$3.70 per kilogram after slaughter and processing.
Price gap affecting local farmers
Because imported pork can be purchased at about US$2.10 per kilogram and later sold for roughly US$2.70, traders and food service outlets are more likely to buy cheaper imported products rather than locally sourced meat.
He added that many farmers are hesitant to rebuild their pig populations since lower prices limit their chances of earning enough to sustain their businesses.
Calls for tariff adjustments
In response, the group wants the government to reduce pork imports so that hog raisers will consider rebuilding their herds and supplying more meat to the domestic market.
So pointed to a recent policy involving rice imports, saying authorities temporarily halted imports of regular and well-milled rice for four months to allow local harvests to be sold within the country.
He suggested that a similar approach could be used for pork to allow local producers to compete in the market.
The farmers’ organisation has also asked the Department of Agriculture and other agencies to restore the earlier pork tariff system.
Under that proposal, import duties would return to 30% for shipments within the quota and 40% for those outside the quota, instead of the current 15% and 25% rates introduced in 2021.
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