Rising Pork Prices Stress Philippine Hog Industry Amid ASF Outbreak

The Philippine hog industry is facing mounting challenges as pork prices soar, driven by the ongoing impacts of African swine fever (ASF). According to recent data from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the price for pork kasim now ranges from P295 to P370 per kilo, while liempo (pork belly) prices have reached as high as P420 per kilo.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) chairman Rosendo So highlighted that while the farmgate price of pork has recently increased from P198 to P205 per kilo, retail prices exceeding P420 are unjustified. He argues that kasim should be sold for no more than P320 per kilo, and liempo should be capped at P360 per kilo. So emphasized the need for the DA to monitor and address overpricing where it occurs.

The DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service is actively investigating these price discrepancies to ensure fairness and compliance with suggested retail prices. Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa acknowledged the continuous struggle against ASF, which remains a primary issue for the industry due to the absence of an effective vaccine and the persistently high cost of feeds.

This situation not only affects producers but also poses significant inflationary pressures on consumers, making it a critical economic and food security issue. The government’s response and measures to stabilize prices will be pivotal in maintaining the balance between supporting local producers and protecting consumer interests.