DA chief backs pork tariff hike bid, says he stands 'on side of Filipino hog raisers'

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed his support on Sunday for Filipino hog raisers’ calls for higher pork import tariffs, noting the agency’s efforts to ease their mounting losses due to cheaper imports and falling farmgate prices.

“I’m on the side of Filipino hog raisers. We will do whatever is in our power to provide the swine industry immediate relief,” Tiu Laurel said in a press release.

The DA said this statement reflects broad agreement of the department with the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), which is pushing for higher tariffs and a temporary suspension of pork imports to shield local raisers.

The agency previously said that it is seeking to restore the 40-percent tariff on pork imports alongside a two-month import holiday to help domestic producers recover from declining farmgate prices.

According to the DA, it submitted a petition on pork jowls in August and another in September seeking a 40-percent pork tariff, both of which are still undergoing review despite two hearings.

The DA noted that while its proposed measures may differ slightly from those of industry groups, their common goal remains protecting local hog producers from cheap imports.

“SINAG wants tariffs restored to 30 percent for in-quota pork imports and 40 percent for shipments outside the quota, along with a 120-day suspension of additional imports,” DA said.

“… While the DA and SINAG differ on the proposed duration of import restrictions, both are pressing for stronger measures to shield local hog producers from import competition,” it added.

Tiu Laurel said the DA eyes suspending the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) likely by mid-November, “once we are legally allowed,” to halt imports of select pork cuts through January next year.

He added that the department would also assess meat processors’ requirements and consider import exemptions where warranted.

However, the DA reiterated its previous note that it cannot raise tariffs on its own, as adjustments require action involving the Tariff Commission and other government agencies.

According to the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, the influx of imported frozen pork inflicts P350 million in daily losses on the sector, or roughly P7,000 for every pig head.

The DA said it is already pursuing a general safeguard measures investigation into the rising pork imports, which could lead to a longer import ban. — BM, GMA News