Philippines to Hike Pork Imports If Prices Surge – DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the government will increase pork imports under the expanded Minimum Access Volume (MAV) only if average pork prices climb to around P430 to P450 per kilo. This move aims to support the local hog industry grappling with the effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) and stabilize retail prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters that the additional import volume under the "MAV Plus" would be triggered if pork prices reach levels seen last year, such as P450 to P490 per kilo. "We will import to tame prices. But it doesn't mean imports will continue indefinitely," he added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 116 in May, which raises the MAV for pork imports to 204,210 metric tons (MT) from 54,210 MT. The additional 150,000 MT is intended to boost supply and mitigate the impact of ASF on the local industry. The DA is set to release the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the expanded MAV soon. Secretary Tiu Laurel explained, "It's basically a trigger point system at a certain price based on average." Under the regular MAV, the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) is allotted 20% of the allocation, which FTI will manage. Earlier, the DA had stated it would consult with hog raisers, meat processors, and lawmakers in crafting the IRR for EO No. 116, amid concerns that higher pork imports could hurt local producers already struggling with elevated feed, fuel, and biosecurity costs. Source: GMA Money Philippines