In a move to stabilise pork supplies and enhance food security, the Philippines has extended the lowered tariffs on pork imports through to the end of 2024. This decision, as reported by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), is a continuation of measures first introduced in 2021 following the impact of African swine fever (ASF) on the country’s pork industry.
The extension of reduced tariffs, initially set to expire at the end of 2023, is seen as a strategic step to make pork more accessible to consumers and support the domestic market. According to Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of USMEF, the revised duty rates are now 15% for in-quota imports, a significant reduction from the standard 30%, and 25% for out-of-quota imports, down from the usual 40%.
Halstrom acknowledges that despite the reduction, the tariffs remain relatively high. However, there is optimism for further long-term tariff relief in the future. Drawing parallels with South Korea and Colombia, where initial high duties on inbound pork were substantially lowered or eliminated, Halstrom highlights the positive outcomes in these countries.
Both experienced an expansion in their pork industries, with increased per capita consumption and booming imports, benefiting domestic pork production.
The extension of reduced pork tariffs in the Philippines is thus seen as a beneficial move for both consumers and the pork industry, potentially leading to a similar growth trajectory as observed in other countries.
