Cheap imported pork failed to reduce retail prices and depressed farmgate figures to between P90 and P120 per kilogram, according to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), BusinessMirror reported.
Hog raisers are losing between P50 and P90 per kilo as high feed expenses persist alongside massive import volumes over the past two years, Sinag Chairman Rosendo So said, according to BusinessMirror. The farmers’ group called for restoring pork import tariffs to 30 percent in-quota and 40 percent out-quota, alongside a temporary suspension of shipments until domestic production recovers.
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) opposed the proposed tariff increases and import bans, warning that restricting foreign supply would worsen food inflation and strain consumer purchasing power. BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson stated that the Philippines needs reliable food supply as climate disturbances like El Niño threaten agricultural output.
Nelson noted that trading conditions should remain clear and predictable rather than subject to sudden permit restrictions. UK pork exports to the Philippines reached 13,445 metric tons valued at £15,986,318 between January and August 2026, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board cited by The Manila Times.
Sinag argued that retail pork costs remained high despite collapsing farmgate prices, placing an unfair burden on local producers. Meanwhile, BCCP highlighted that the Philippines remains the second-largest UK pork export market after China. A delegation led by a minister from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is scheduled to visit the Philippines to advance trade discussions.
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