2 weeks ago
6
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to allocate the majority of the pork imports under the 55,000 metric tons (MT) of the minimum access volume (MAV) quota to meat processors—a move aimed at stabilizing prices of processed meat products.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the “general direction” is to allocate 30,000 MT to meat processors although this is still set to be finalized “within the next few weeks”.
Laurel added that a significant portion of the MAV quota will be set aside for agencies attached to the DA as a “strategic reserve” if market intervention is deemed necessary.
Specifically, 15,000 MT will be allotted to state-run corporations Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and Planters Products Inc. (PPI).
Meanwhile, the remaining 10,000 MT will be equally distributed among pork traders.
The MAV is a trade policy mechanism that allows a specific volume of agricultural imports to enter a country at lower tariff rates.
This quota collects a 15 percent tariff on pork, which is significantly lower than the standard 25 percent.
The MAV allocation is part of the Philippines’ commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure food security and boost market competition.
Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. Director Jet Ambalada welcomed the proposed higher allocation, noting that it’s another good step towards lowering pork prices.
“This will help us maintain stable prices. As I’ve mentioned, the price of hotdogs has remained steady for over a decade, and a can of luncheon meat is now even cheaper than a can of sardines of the same size,” Ambalada said.
Based on the latest data from the DA, pork prices have recently surged beyond ₱400 per kilo at public markets.
The agency attributed such prices to the lingering effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, which significantly impacted the country’s hog population.
The ASF was likewise blamed for the potential profiteering in the industry.
Laurel recently pointed out that prices are seeing increases as raisers and traders seek to recover their losses.
The DA has floated the prospect of imposing a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on pork, but this has since been shut down as the pork industry vowed to find ways to lower prices to reasonable levels.
