Marcos raises corn import quota to 500,000 MT amid farmer concerns

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has increased the country’s corn import quota under the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme to 500,000 metric tons (MT) from 220,000 MT, a move the government says will help address a projected supply shortfall but which has drawn concerns over its potential impact on local farmers.

Under Executive Order No. 129, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on behalf of Marcos on Oct. 26, the additional 280,000 MT in imports is intended to help address a projected yellow corn supply deficit of about 1.422 million MT from March to December 2026.

The order warned that inadequate domestic corn supply could drive up feed costs and, consequently, increase the production costs and retail prices of pork and poultry products, adding to inflationary pressures on food commodities.

“There is an urgent need to address the projected supply gap in yellow corn, ensure adequate and stable supply of corn for the livestock, poultry, and feed milling industries, and mitigate pressures on feed and food prices,” the EO read.

Corn is a major ingredient in animal feed for hogs and poultry, making its price a key concern for livestock and poultry producers.

The expanded quota would allow additional corn imports to enter the country at lower tariff rates, potentially reducing costs for feed millers and livestock and poultry producers.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) had earlier pushed for the increase, citing the threat of El Niño and tensions in the Middle East as potential risks to corn supply and feed costs.

However, agricultural groups have questioned whether the move would translate into lower retail prices while warning that increased imports could depress farm-gate prices for locally grown corn.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has opposed the proposal, questioning whether lower import tariffs would result in meaningful savings for consumers.

Critics have also raised concerns about the timing of the expanded quota, as additional imports could compete with locally harvested corn and put pressure on farmers’ earnings.

The increase also follows the failure of Congress to act on the recommendation to raise the MAV within the period prescribed by law. The proposal had been the subject of a House briefing on Oct. 6.

The MAV Management Committee was directed to formulate and issue implementing guidelines within 30 days from the EO’s effectivity to ensure the equitable and transparent allocation and distribution of the additional import quota.

The EO was signed on Oct. 26 and released on Tuesday.— MCG, GMA News

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