Philippines Launches Pork Import Investigation and Weighs Additional Trade Measures
On October 9, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) initiated a preliminary safeguard investigation into pork imports, which reached 602.65 million kilograms from January to August, up from 573.09 million kilograms a year earlier. The DA cited evidence that rising imports have hurt domestic producers through lower farmgate prices, reduced market share, and growing inventories. The Department also considering suspending import clearances for 30 to 60 days for selected pork cuts as early as November. Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the country holds about 170 days of pork supply.
Separately, the DA has proposed phased tariff increases on pork imports. In-quota rates would rise from 15% to 25% and out-quota rates from 25% to 35%, reaching 30% and 40% respectively by 2028. The DA estimates this would raise more than PHP 10 billion (USD 156 million) in additional revenue for the livestock sector. For U.S. pork exporters, a safeguard measure, a pause in import clearances or higher tariffs could raise costs and disrupt shipments to the Philippines. It is worth engaging the DA during the investigation and tracking any clearance suspension from November.
