DA backs higher pork tariffs, plans import curbs in Jan-Nov

Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. backed calls by local hog raisers to increase pork import tariffs and restrict additional shipments as falling farmgate prices and cheaper imports weigh on domestic producers.

“I’m on the side of Filipino hog raisers. We will do whatever is in our power to provide the swine industry immediate relief,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement on October 25.

His position puts the Department of Agriculture (DA) in line with industry group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), which is calling for higher tariffs and a temporary halt to additional pork imports to protect local producers.

SINAG is pushing for the restoration of tariffs to 30% for in-quota imports and 40% for shipments outside the minimum access volume, along with a 120-day suspension of additional imports.

This story was originally published by PortCalls Asia. Read the full story at PortCalls Asia →