NTMs raise red flags for meat import costs

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has flagged potential supply and cost pressures in the livestock and poultry industries, warning that implementation challenges tied to non-tariff measures (NTMs) could restrict meat imports and contribute to higher prices.

In a sector brief, the antitrust regulator said NTMs — regulations intended to safeguard food safety and product quality — may function as de facto trade barriers if enforcement is marked by procedural delays, repetitive requirements and institutional inefficiencies.

Such frictions can raise compliance costs for importers and create uncertainty in supply chains, potentially limiting the availability of meat products in the domestic market.

The livestock and poultry subsectors remain critical to Philippine agriculture, particularly as the country ranks among the world’s fastest-growing consumers of meat.

This demand dynamic has prompted the government to maintain strict regulatory oversight to protect consumers and ensure standards.

However, the PCC noted that gaps in coordination and execution across regulatory bodies can undermine the policy objectives of NTMs, dampening trade flows and affecting market competition.

To mitigate these risks, the commission recommended closer policy alignment among key agencies, including efforts to streamline procedures and harmonize domestic rules with international best practices.

The proposed measures aim to ease compliance burdens on the private sector while supporting stable meat supply and competitive pricing.