DA pushes incremental pork tariff hike

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering a gradual rise in duties on imported pork due to persisting declines in farmgate prices for local hogs. The DA's proposal suggests a first incremental 10 percentage point increase in the current in-quota rate of 15 percent and out-quota rate of 25 percent. This would result in 25 percent duties for in-quota and 35 percent for out-quota pork imports.

The current maximum import volume for pork is set at 204,210 metric tons (MT), subject to lower tariff rates. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. commented that pork tariffs might revert to the previous rates of 30 percent for in-quota imports and 40 percent for out-quota shipments by next year. The current 2028 expiration date of Executive Order 62, which reduced tariff rates for imported pork, is looming.

Tiu Laurel explained that the phased hike aims to prevent sudden market shocks. He also mentioned that the proposal has been submitted to the Tariff Commission, which has up to 200 days to impose a temporary safeguard measure if needed. Quantitative restrictions, measures to limit imports or exports of specific items, could be employed if required.

The DA is also pushing for higher tariff rates on frozen pork jowls, as these have gained significant import popularity due to lower duties and increased competition with local pork in retail and food service sectors. Pork imports increased by five percent year-on-year to 602,655 metric tons (MT) in the January to August period, up five percent from 573,091 MT in the same period last year, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.