Philippines makes imports of pork more expensive again

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Philippines recognized the ASF outbreak as a national disaster. Recognizing the ASF outbreak as a disaster creates opportunities for authorities to apply for emergency funds. Money from these funds should be used to combat the spread of ASF and promote the recovery of pig numbers.

According to recent figures from the Philippine agriculture ministry, the virus outbreak has claimed the lives of 330.000 sows. The Ministry of Agriculture aims for a production of almost 2 breeding sows for the next 440.000 years. The country wants to produce about half of this itself. The other half must be supplied by private parties.

Higher import tariffs should support the sector
It was also announced that the import tariffs for pork will increase again. To reduce inflation in the country, pork import tariffs were lowered at the beginning of April. This angered Filipino pig farmers. They threatened the even reduce production if the Philippine government actually adjusted the rates downwards.

Cheap imports can delay the recovery of our own sector. Although the concerns of pig farmers were initially not heard, the national government now appears to be sensitive. The import tariff for pork, within the government's quota of 405.000 tons, will be 10% (was 5%) for the next 3 months. The following 9 months a rate of 15% applies (was 10%).

Moral victory
A government spokesperson indicates that this has struck a better balance between keeping pork affordable and the recovery of our own pig herd. A spokesperson for the Philippine pig farmers' trade association welcomed the decision, calling it a moral victory for pig farmers in the country.

Figures from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) show that the Philippines was the most important export destination for pork after China in the first 2 months of this year. Total exports to the Asian country increased by 129% compared to the first 2 months in 2020.