Duterte approves lower tariff rate for imported pork meat amid pork supply woes

President Rodrigo Duterte has reduced the tariff rates for imported pork meat to 5% to 20% from 30% to 40% for a year.

This is provided under the Executive Order (EO) 128 issued by the President on Wednesday, April 7.

Under EO 128, the tariff rate for  imported pork meat within quota or minimum access volume (MAV)—whether fresh, chilled or frozen—will be pegged at 5% for the first three months upon the EO’s effectivity and 10% for the fourth to 12 months.

The tariff rate for imported meat outside of the MAV, however, has been set to 15% for the first three months upon the EO’s effectivity and 20% for the fourth to the 12th months.

The existing 30% to 40% tariff rate for imported pork will be restored after the 12th month.

“There is an urgent need to temporarily reduce  the most favored nation tariff rates on fresh, chilled or frozen meat of swine to address pork supply shortage, stabilize prices of pork meat and minimize inflation rates,” the EO read.

The lowered tariff rates were recommended by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The Chief Executive issued the EO a day before the 60-day price cap on pork and chicken in the National Capital Region expires on April 8.

The African Swine Fever (ASF) has already wiped out four million hogs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, causing pork supply woes and high pork meat prices, particularly in Metro Manila. — BM, GMA News