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The Department of Agriculture has imposed a 60-day restriction on pork imports
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DA estimates that producers lost P27.9 billion from January to July this
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The restriction follows a surge in pork imports even as local producers grapple with depressed prices, excess inventories, and the lingering effects of African Swine Fever
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Restriction takes effect upon issuance of a Bureau of Customs order or 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a 60-day restriction on pork imports after a preliminary investigation found that rising foreign shipments have seriously injured the domestic hog industry.
DA estimates that producers lost P27.9 billion from January to July this year, and this could double to P55.8 billion by yearend if weak prices persist, while industry submissions point to potential losses of as much as P100 billion.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on November 7 signed DA Department Order (DO) No. 33 series of 2026, authorizing a provisional safeguard measure under Republic Act 8800, or the Safeguard Measures Act. The action follows a surge in pork imports even as local producers grapple with depressed prices, excess inventories, and the lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF), DA said.
READ: DA backs higher pork tariffs, plans import curbs in Jan-Nov
In its investigation, DA found that pork imports climbed 42% from 589,675 metric tons (MT) in 2023 to 836,240 MT in 2025. Imports also accounted for an increasing share of domestic production, rising from 39% in 2021 to 61% in 2025, and 65% in the first half of 2026.
“The preliminary findings show that the surge in pork imports is putting severe pressure on our local producers. We cannot allow an import surge to undermine an industry that is still struggling to recover from years of ASF-related losses,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
DA said the squeeze is evident in the country’s worsening dependence on imported pork. Domestic self-sufficiency fell from 74.3% in 2021 to 65.5% in 2025, and just 54% in January to August 2026. Imports’ share of domestic consumption, meanwhile, rose to 55%.
Frozen pork inventories reached about 121,000 MT in July, up 38% from a year earlier and more than double their level in 2024. Imported products accounted for 94% of these stocks.
Sharp drop in farmgate prices
The inventory buildup coincided with a sharp decline in farmgate prices. The average price dropped from P198.30 per kilogram (kg) in 2025 to P175.75 in the first half of 2026, with some producers reporting a 50% plunge from P240 to P120 per kg.
DA said the restriction is the latest intervention in a hog industry battered by ASF since 2019. Other measures include efforts to make the ASF vaccine commercially available, the passage of the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, expanded minimum access volume for corn imports to help reduce feed costs, and requests for higher pork tariffs inside and outside the quota.
DA also approved a maximum suggested retail price for major pork cuts last year to help temper food inflation, while continuing consultations with industry stakeholders on supply and price stability.
“Rebuilding the hog industry requires more than short-term price interventions. We are working through the necessary legal, regulatory, and industry reforms to bring the national hog population back to its pre-ASF level of about 13 million heads by the end of 2028,” Tiu Laurel said.
What’s covered?
The 60-day provisional measure covers specified fresh and frozen pork cuts, carcasses, and edible offal under the relevant Association of Southeast Asian Nations Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature codes. It takes effect upon issuance of a Bureau of Customs order or 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes first.
Tiu Laurel acknowledged industry groups’ concern that the 60-day import restriction may be too short, saying the government could consider extending the measure, as it did with last year’s rice import ban.
“We can extend the period, just as we did with the rice import ban last year. But this requires a delicate balancing act because we also have to consider the needs of consumers and meat processors,” he said.
The case will proceed to the Tariff Commission for a formal investigation to determine whether a definitive safeguard measure is justified.
TIu Laurel reiterated his support for the increase in pork tariff to 30% for in-quota and 40% for out-quota, from the current 15% and 25%, respectively.
