Philippines to suspend pork imports for 60 days amid falling domestic prices

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has approved a temporary 60-day suspension of pork imports amid a sharp increase in overseas shipments and deteriorating financial conditions for domestic producers. The decision, approved on November 7, 2026, covers certain categories of fresh, chilled and frozen pork, carcasses and edible offal. The restriction will take effect either upon the issuance of a corresponding order by the Bureau of Customs or 15 days after the official publication of the document, whichever comes first.

According to the agriculture department, Philippine pork imports increased by 42% between 2023 and 2025, from 589.7 thsd tons to 836.2 thsd tons. Meanwhile, the ratio of imports to domestic production rose from 39% in 2021 to 61% in 2025, reaching 65% in the first half of 2026. The country’s pork self-sufficiency rate continued to decline, falling from 74.3% in 2021 to 65.5% in 2025 and 54% in January–August 2026. The share of imports in domestic pork consumption increased to 55%.

Rising imports have led to a substantial accumulation of frozen pork inventories. In July 2026, stocks reached 121 thsd tons, up 38% compared with the same period last year and more than double the 2024 level. Imported products accounted for 94% of these inventories. Excess supply intensified pressure on domestic prices, with average farmgate pork prices falling from 198.30 pesos/kg in 2025 to 175.75 pesos/kg in the first half of 2026, a decline of 11.4%.

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has not ruled out extending the restrictions beyond the initial 60-day period. Meanwhile, the government plans to refer the matter to the Tariff Commission for a formal investigation into whether permanent safeguard measures are justified. The secretary has also proposed raising import tariffs on pork from 15% to 30% for shipments within the tariff-rate quota and from 25% to 40% for imports exceeding the quota.

The temporary import suspension is part of a broader program to support the country’s hog industry, which continues to face losses from African swine fever (ASF) and high production costs. Other measures under consideration include increasing corn import quotas to reduce feed costs, expanding the use of ASF vaccines and developing legislative mechanisms to support livestock production. At the same time, the authorities aim to balance the protection of domestic farmers with the needs of meat processors and efforts to contain retail pork prices.

Tags: pork, Philippines