Hog stakeholders to be consulted on MAV increase

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will schedule a consultation with hog raisers and industry stakeholders following the increase in the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports.

In a statement, the DA said it would draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Executive Order 116, which allowed the increase of MAV allocation by 150,000 metric tons the total allowable import volumes for pork at 204,210 MT from 54,210 MT.

The order was signed by President Marcos earlier, citing a need to address supply gaps in pork, mitigate inflationary pressure and ensure that there is adequate and affordable food for consumers.

“The IRR will seek a careful balance between protecting consumers from high prices, safeguarding the viability of local hog producers, and honoring the country’s international trade commitments,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

He added that the order would stabilize supply and prices without weakening the long-term competitiveness of the country’s hog industry.

Under the revised MAV allocation structure, 50 percent or 30,000 MT is given to meat processors with verified processing facilities. On the other hand, Food Terminal Inc. and the KADIWA ng Pangulo program will receive 120,000 MT.

Tiu Laurel added that the DA would pursue a “calibrated approach” to pork imports in plugging supply gaps, amid concerns by stakeholders that lower taxes collected from imports could affect the P20-billion funding under the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ANCEF).

“We understand the concerns being raised by the local swine industry, especially after years of battling ASF and elevated production costs,” he said.

“What we plan to pursue is a calibrated approach where imports temporarily address supply gaps while the government continues investing in rebuilding domestic hog production capacity, strengthening biosecurity and improving long-term industry resilience,” he added.

Tariff on imported swine are set at 15 percent for shipments within the MAV quota, and 25 percent for those outside of the quota.

Taxes collected from tariffs are used to fund the ANCEF, aimed at supporting the country’s livestock and poultry sectors.