US pork exports to Taiwan rise sharply in early 2026 as Philippines reopen German pork imports
Philippines lift long-standing restrictions on German pork following ASF-related trade controls.
WORLD – US pork exports to Taiwan recorded a rebound in early 2026, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture compiled by the US Meat Export Federation, with shipments increasing compared with the subdued volumes seen in the previous year during the January to February period.
From January through February, shipments reached 2,735 metric tonnes, rising 175% year on year from a low base, while export value climbed to US$7M, increasing 162% over the same comparison period.
In February, the Trump administration announced a reciprocal trade agreement with Taiwan intended to cut tariffs and reduce non-tariff barriers on US pork.
However, the deal has not yet taken effect and is still pending implementation by both sides.
Philippines Restore Access for German Pork
In a separate development, the Philippines reopened its market to pork and pork offal from Germany after a suspension that lasted nearly seven years, restoring access for German exporters to a previously restricted destination.
The move followed extended negotiations led by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, with Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer stating that expanding market access remains a key focus of the ministry and that the reopening resulted from ongoing efforts to advance agricultural export policy and restore trade channels.
Trade restrictions on German pork were introduced after African swine fever outbreaks in the European Union and Germany in 2020, prompting multiple importing countries outside the bloc to impose bans on pork products as part of wider disease control measures affecting trade flows.
On April 22, 2026, the Philippine Department of Agriculture confirmed recognition of ASF regionalisation measures and officially lifted the import restriction that had been in place since 2019, following a formal communication outlining updated animal health assurances.
The decision followed several years of technical discussions and advocacy by German authorities, including engagements at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, where detailed animal health documentation and compliance information were submitted in efforts to meet import requirements and restore market access.
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