The investigation was initiated by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. under the country’s Safeguard Measures Act. According to the department, preliminary evidence provides sufficient grounds to examine the link between rising imports and the deteriorating situation of domestic producers.
The investigation covers fresh, chilled and frozen pork, offal and fats, with the review period spanning from 2021 through August 2026.
Among the indicators of possible adverse effects from imports, the department cites lower farmgate pig prices and producer incomes, a declining share of locally produced pork in the market and lower self-sufficiency, increased dependence on imports, and the accumulation of commercial stocks.
However, the launch of the investigation does not mean that imports have already been identified as the cause of the sector’s problems, nor does it automatically result in additional tariffs or other restrictions.
The European Union will be one of the key parties involved in the proceedings, having accounted for around 47% of imports of the products covered by the investigation between 2021 and 2025. Other leading suppliers include Brazil, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States.
Interested parties may submit written comments, evidence and their positions within five working days of the publication of the notice announcing the start of the investigation.
PigUA.info, based on materials from 3tres3.com