Meat importers oppose pork tariff hike
Meat importers have warned that pork prices could rise if the government imposes higher tariff on pork meat.
Manila, Philippines — The Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) has expressed concern that higher tariffs on pork could lead to price increases for consumers. MITA president emeritus Jess Cham stated that protectionist tariff increases would not address the root causes of domestic pork production issues. Higher import tariffs would drive up retail prices, particularly impacting urban consumers who are already sensitive to changes in food costs.
Food processors relying on imported pork would face increased input costs, potentially leading to higher prices for canned goods and processed meat. Restaurants and other food service establishments that depend on consistent and predictable imports of pork would also experience higher operational costs. MITA is advocating for an extension of the current lower tariffs beyond December 2028, as farmgate prices for live hogs have decreased recently.
The Department of Agriculture is proposing a 10% tariff increase on imported pork, increasing the in-quota rate from 15% to 25% and the out-quota rate from 25% to 35%. The current allowable import volume for pork is 204,210 metric tons, subject to the lower tariff rates.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
