British Chamber reinforces UK meat exports to assist on inflation, supply
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines echoes the concern of the industry groups on the Department Order No. 25 by the Department of Agriculture, noting the imposition of volume-based special safeguard measures on agricultural commodities such as meat of bovine, meat of swine and chicken curry for retail sale.
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) has expressed its solidarity with industry groups' concerns regarding the Department Order No. 25 issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The order implements volume-based special safeguard (SSG) measures on meat products, including bovine, swine, and chicken curry sold retail.
According to Jesus Cham, President Emeritus of the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA), these measures could impact the landed cost of these commodities, ultimately raising consumer and retail prices.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson highlighted the potential inflationary effects of these measures, which occurred in July 2026 when inflation stood at 6.2%, with food inflation remaining steady at 5.3%, particularly noting the slow increase in meat and vegetable prices. Despite recent downward trends in inflation, the Chamber supported the Executive Order No. 116, signed on May 19, 2026, which raised the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons.
The Chamber advocated for lower tariffs on pork and other meat products, supporting the proposed increase in MAV to address supply challenges stemming from African Swine Fever (ASF) and ease food inflation pressures.
In response to the ASF outbreak affecting 12 regions, 20 provinces, 41 cities/municipalities, and 65 barangays as of August 7, 2026, the Chamber welcomed increased agricultural trade with the UK, which has bolstered British meat exports. Chris Nelson, BCCP Executive Vice Chairman, stated that the UK's pork exports have grown by 8% year-to-date.
The BCCP has been actively involved in developing business ties through the Agricultural Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), which has visited the Philippines multiple times. The Chamber remains committed to ongoing discussions and collaboration with relevant agencies and industry associations to monitor the SSG measures' implications on food inflation and supply, emphasizing the need for transparency and expertise in importation pricing and volume breaches.
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