• The Philippines is considering a return to higher tariffs on pork imports to reduce dependence on foreign supplies and support local farmers.
  • The agriculture ministry wants in 2027–2028 for in-quota tariffs to rise to 30 percent and out-of-quota tariffs to 40 percent, which is expected to reduce imports from 500 thousand to 250 thousand tonnes.
  • Poland has only had access to the Philippine market since January 2026, and by mid-year had exported approximately 8 thousand tonnes of pork and offal; further contracts are now at stake.

The Philippines opened its market to Polish pork only in January of this year, after recognizing regionalization with regard to the occurrence of ASF and negotiations that had been ongoing since 2008. Meanwhile, the government in Manila announced plans to curb imports by introducing prohibitive tariffs.

According to a proposal by the Philippine agriculture ministry, starting from 2027 to 2028, in-quota tariffs will gradually rise to 30 percent, while out-of-quota tariffs will rise to 40 percent. The government aims to reduce pork imports from 500 thousand tonnes to 250 thousand tonnes, reports UkrAgroKonsult and Business Mirror.

Philippines: higher tariffs on pork imports and pressure from livestock farmers

The Department of Agriculture submitted an official proposal to the Tariff Commission, seeking to withdraw the preferential rates introduced earlier in response to the crisis caused by African swine fever (ASF). This is a response to protests and appeals from Filipino pig producers, who complain about a drastic decline in profitability caused by the domestic market being flooded with imported pork.

- I stand with Filipino pig farmers. We will do everything in our power to provide our pork industry with immediate assistance - said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

According to media reports, as early as November, Philippine authorities are also expected to suspend the issuance of certificates to exporters for 120 days.

The increase in tariffs is expected to generate additional revenue of more than 158,76 million dollars, which will go to the National Fund for Enhancing Livestock Competitiveness (ANCEF). These funds are intended to modernize the pork, poultry, and dairy production sectors, increase the number of pigs, and strengthen farm biosecurity. The government expects implementation of this strategy to increase domestic pork production by 100 thousand tons per year.

Why does Manila want to restrict imports? Prices and production costs

The need to support local producers is linked to the industry's difficult financial situation. According to Philippine Statistics Authority, in the first half of 2026 year, live pig purchase prices fell by 17,7 percent to 2,76 $/kg, while production costs were about 3,10 $/kg. Thus, market prices remain below production costs, making it difficult to rebuild herds and expand production.

Meat importers, however, oppose the proposed increase in tariffs, warning of a possible rise in pork prices for consumers. The Philippine government will have to balance support for local pig producers with the need to keep prices affordable in the domestic market.

The Philippine market has been open to Polish pork since January 14, 2026. The minister proudly announced this success, Stefan Krajewski. By mid-year, the first deliveries from approved Polish plants had reached a volume of approximately 8 thousand tons of meat and offal.