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Lower tariff rates for pork extended in the Philippines

The Philippine government has extended the lower tariff rates on pork and other food items through 2023.

Dave Rentoria, who is the Philippine representative for the U.S. Meat Export Federation says the tariff reductions create more opportunities for U.S. pork products in the country.  “We see pork has penetrated traditional channels, like wet markets, which is still a big volume channel for meat,” he says.  “And most importantly, I think, is this has brought new importers.”

The reduced rates, implemented in mid-2021, cut the tariff on in-quota pork cuts from 30% to 15% and for out-of-quota shipments from 40% to 25%.  In October, pork exports were up sharply in value with a 50% increase year-over-year.

The National Pork Producers Council says gaining better market access to the Philippines has been a top trade priority for the U.S. pork industry.  The organization says it will continue to work toward establishing better market access through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. 

While the lower tariff rates have been extended through the end of 2023, Philippine officials say the rates will be reviewed quarterly.