The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) is calling on the Philippine government to expand pork import quotas at preferential tariff rates, arguing that higher volumes are needed to stabilize supply, temper food inflation, and meet the demands of a population nearing 120 million.
In a year-end briefing, BCCP executive chairman Chris Nelson said the government’s plan to tweak the minimum access volume (MAV) allocation for processors—and later raise tariffs within MAV from the current 15 percent for 55,000 tons—requires deeper review. Imports outside MAV face a 25-percent duty.
Nelson stressed that the present MAV level, set decades ago in the 1990s, no longer reflects the country’s rapidly expanding population or its shifting consumption patterns. He urged policymakers to consider lifting pork MAV to 75,000 to 80,000 tons.
“The current MAV is 55,000 tons, and 55,000 is nothing. The Philippines needs to import more and consider the needs of the country for a stable and good-quality supply of meat,” he said.
A key complication, Nelson noted, is the slow recovery of the local hog industry due to the lingering impact of African swine fever, which continues to constrain domestic supply and push up prices.
Compounding industry uncertainty, the Department of Agriculture (DA) temporarily suspended MAV quota applications in November while crafting a new policy framework. The Meat Importers and Traders Association said the DA expects to finalize allocations by January 2026, a timeline traders fear may limit opportunities for new players and delay critical shipments.
“The Chamber looks forward to full MAV committee discussions and to stabilizing import flows to support food security,” Nelson added.
Data from the DA Trade System show the Philippines imported 16,985 metric tons of meat from the UK as of September 30.
