DA seeks higher tariffs on pork

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing to implement higher tariffs on imported pork, as farmgate prices for live hogs drop to a range of P120 to P160 per kilo.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA is pursuing trade measures that would provide support to local hog raisers, amid declining farmgate prices.

He noted that he is discussing with the country's economic managers to possibly restore pork tariffs to previous levels.

The tariff duties for imported pork currently stand at 15 percent for in-quota shipments and 25 percent for out-quota imports until 2028. This is lower than the previous 30 percent in-quota and 40 percent for out-quota.

The agency is also mulling higher special safeguard duties on imported pork, noting that these measures could take time to implement.