The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said the government’s decision to maintain lower tariffs on pork imports and revisit the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) system could strengthen agricultural trade between the United Kingdom and the Philippines while helping stabilize domestic food prices.
The chamber welcomed Executive Order No. 116, s. 2026, describing it as part of broader government efforts to secure stable food supply and ease inflationary pressures. The group noted that pork remains a key commodity in expanding UK-Philippines agricultural trade, particularly as the Philippines continues to grapple with supply shortages caused by African Swine Fever.
The chamber said it has long advocated lower tariffs on pork and meat imports and has supported proposals since 2023 to expand MAV allocations to better align with rising domestic demand. According to the BCCP, wider import access could help address supply gaps, curb food inflation, and strengthen the country’s food security program.
BCCP executive vice chairman Chris Nelson said the chamber remains open to further discussions on the revised MAV increase and allocation framework, adding that higher import volumes could deepen bilateral trade and reinforce the Philippines’ food security initiatives.
The BCCP also reiterated its commitment to bringing high-quality British meat products into the Philippine market while fostering long-term partnerships with local importers and industry stakeholders.
The chamber said sustained collaboration between government and private sector players would be critical in strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the country’s agricultural supply chain amid continuing global and domestic market pressures.
