The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of pork and other swine products from Poland, citing the country’s policy on African swine fever (ASF) regionalization.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the lifting recognizes ASF-free zones within affected countries. The DA said such recognition only takes effect after bilateral agreement and the issuance of a memorandum order.
The Bureau of Animal Industry said a review found that Poland has sufficient veterinary controls and effective measures against ASF, resulting in a low risk of importing pork from approved areas.
Meat industry groups welcomed the decision, saying it will help boost supply and stabilize prices. They also expressed hope for a similar agreement with Spain, which was placed under a temporary pork import ban last December due to ASF cases.
Data from the BAI showed the Philippines imported about 633 million kilograms of pork in the first nine months of 2025. Spain accounted for 20.7 percent of total imports, while Poland supplied none during the period due to the ban.
As of January 14, pork prices in Metro Manila ranged from P250 to P370 per kilo, based on DA monitoring.
