The BCCP statement followed reports that the Philippine Department of Agriculture had proposed increasing tariffs on imported pork and frozen pork jowls.
Earlier, by contrast, the chamber had welcomed Executive Order No. 116 of 2026, which increased the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports from 54,210 tonnes to 204,210 tonnes. The measure formed part of the government’s efforts to stabilise food supplies and contain inflation amid higher oil, transport and feed costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said the chamber plans to discuss the tariff issue with the agriculture secretary and the relevant government department.
According to him, the proposal to raise pork import duties requires further clarification, as it could run counter to the need to increase meat supplies on the domestic market and limit price growth.
Pig Herd at Lowest First-Quarter Level Since 1994
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s pig herd fell to 8.70 million head in the first quarter of 2026. This was the lowest first-quarter figure since 1994.
Over the same period, the country’s population increased from almost 70 million to around 120 million people, which, according to the BCCP, further highlights the constraints on domestic supply.
The situation is being compounded by ASF. As of 24 September 2026, the disease remained active in 13 regions, 31 provinces, 107 cities and municipalities, and 293 barangays.
Inflationary pressure also remains elevated: headline inflation stood at 6.1% in August, while food inflation was 4.6%.
British Exporters Increase Shipments
Although the United Kingdom is not among the largest suppliers of pork and beef to the Philippines, British companies are showing growing interest in the market.
Between January and July 2026, UK pork exports to the Philippines increased by almost 4%, while beef shipments rose by 54%.
The BCCP also continues to cooperate with the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which has organised trade missions to the Philippines since 2021. The next, ninth mission is scheduled for 19–20 November 2026.
The chamber stresses that, given the low domestic pig herd and continuing ASF outbreaks, decisions on import tariffs should take into account the need both to maintain adequate pork supplies and to contain inflation.
PigUA.info, based on materials from philstar.com