Expanded pork imports seen to ease prices
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) has reaffirmed its support for the expansion of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork imports, citing the need to ease food supply constraints, help temper inflation, and strengthen the country’s food security amid the continuing impact of African Swine Fever (ASF).
The Chamber welcomed Executive Order No. 116, which increased the MAV allocation for pork from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons for 2026. The policy shift is part of government efforts to augment domestic supply, stabilize market prices, and ease persistent inflationary pressures affecting Filipino consumers.
A key concern remains the continued impact of ASF on local hog production. BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson noted that the disease continues to suppress domestic output, with Philippine Statistics Authority data showing that the country’s pig inventory is at its lowest level since 1994.
“We need to increase supply,” Nelson said. “African swine fever remains present, and pig herds are at their lowest levels since 1994 based on PSA data.”
While acknowledging the concerns of local producers, Nelson stressed that addressing supply gaps remains the immediate priority to help balance consumer demand amid ongoing production challenges.
The Chamber also welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing drafting of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the revised MAV system. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the updated framework aims to establish a “level playing field” and encourage greater competition for the benefit of consumers.
Nelson said the Chamber continues to engage closely with the Department of Agriculture and looks forward to further consultations as the policy framework is finalized. He also urged a review of the previous allocation methodology to ensure smoother import flows that could help stabilize supply and prices.
“We urge the Department of Agriculture to revisit the previous allocation methodology so imports can flow more efficiently, helping stabilize supply and prices,” he added.
According to Nelson, the expansion of MAV reflects shifting demographic and market realities. He noted that the original MAV allocation was established in 1996, when the Philippines had a population of around 72 million. Today, with the population estimated at approximately 118 million, demand for essential commodities such as pork has significantly increased.
The Chamber has consistently supported higher pork import allocations since 2023, emphasizing the need to secure adequate supply while helping moderate food inflation. Meat products, in particular, continue to face price pressures due to tight supply conditions and rising production costs.
Beyond short-term supply management, the BCCP also sees the expanded MAV as an opportunity to deepen agricultural trade cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Philippines. Through its partnership with the UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the Chamber has facilitated trade missions and promoted British pork exports to the Philippine market.
Although the United Kingdom remains a relatively smaller supplier compared to Brazil, Spain, and the United States, British pork exports to the Philippines have shown steady growth. Nelson noted that annual shipments now range between 18,000 and 19,000 metric tons, with first-quarter figures already exceeding 5,000 metric tons this year—reflecting growth of more than 13 percent.
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