DA Targets Pork Import Reform to Curb Abuses, Lower Prices for Consumers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking steps to revamp the decades-old rules on pork imports to address alleged loopholes being exploited by importers, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced Wednesday.

The overhaul will focus on updating the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) system, which allows a specific volume of pork to be imported at reduced tariffs—15% under the MAV quota versus the standard 25%. These rules have not been revised since they were written in 1996.

According to Laurel, the DA’s Policy and Planning Office has been tasked with crafting updated guidelines, with results expected by October 2025.

During the review, the DA discovered significant disparities in MAV quota allocation. Of the 130 quota holders, only 22 control 55% of the total import volume, and 47 hold 80%. He also flagged repeated use of quota allocations that artificially boost import volumes—without translating into lower pork prices for consumers.

To address this, the DA plans to boost the quota for meat processors from 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons, while giving Food Terminals Inc. the remaining share to help stabilize pork prices in local markets.

To further shield consumers from high prices, the DA has already imposed price caps:

• ₱380/kg for liempo

• ₱350/kg for pigue and kasim

• ₱300/kg for fresh carcass or “sabit ulo”