Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. threw his support behind hog raisers’ calls for higher pork import tariffs, saying the Department of Agriculture (DA) would do what it can to ease mounting losses among local producers squeezed by cheaper imports and falling farmgate prices.
“I’m on the side of Filipino hog raisers. We will do whatever is in our power to provide the swine industry immediate relief,” Tiu Laurel said.
“I’m on the side of Filipino hog raisers.”
His statement signals broad agreement with the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), which is pushing for higher tariffs and a temporary suspension of additional pork imports to protect the domestic hog industry.
SINAG wants tariffs restored to 30 percent for in-quota pork imports and 40 percent for shipments outside the quota, along with a 120-day suspension of additional imports.
The DA had earlier proposed restoring the higher tariff rates, while moving to suspend the issuance of import clearances for selected pork cuts to help stabilize farmgate prices and ease the financial strain on local raisers.
“Once we are legally allowed, the DA would suspend the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances, likely by mid-November, to halt importation of selected pork cuts through January next year.”
Tiu Laurel said that “once we are legally allowed,” the DA would suspend the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs), likely by mid-November, to halt importation of selected pork cuts through January next year.
The agriculture chief said the DA would assess meat processors’ requirements and consider import exemptions where warranted.
While the DA and SINAG differ on the proposed duration of import restrictions, both are pressing for stronger measures to shield local hog producers from import competition.
The DA, however, cannot raise tariffs on its own. Any adjustment requires action involving the Tariff Commission and other government agencies, limiting the department’s ability to deliver immediate relief through higher import duties.
Lower pork tariffs were introduced in 2021 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte to address supply shortages linked to African swine fever. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later extended the reduced rates through Executive Order No. 62, signed on June 20, 2024, setting tariffs at 15 percent for in-quota imports and 25 percent for out-quota shipments through 2028.
The DA is also pursuing a general safeguard measures investigation into rising pork imports that may result in a longer import ban.
The push for tighter import controls comes as declining farmgate prices threaten the viability of backyard and commercial hog operations.
While the DA and SINAG agree on the need to protect local producers, the immediate challenge is translating their proposals into concrete measures that can ease the pressure on farmers and improve prices at the farm gate.
