DA eyes bigger corn import quota to boost feed supply

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking to increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn imports to 500,000 metric tons to help cushion livestock and poultry producers from rising feed costs, the agency said in a press release on Sunday.

The proposed quota is more than double the current MAV allocation of 216,940 metric tons.

“Imports within the quota are levied a preferential tariff of 5 percent, while shipments beyond the allocation continue to face a 15 percent duty,” the DA said.

The department cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that corn production was estimated at 8.3 million metric tons in 2025.

“Corn is a critical input for poultry and livestock. Stabilizing feed costs helps temper price pressures on essential food items and protect household purchasing power,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

According to Tiu Laurel, the proposal was developed following consultations with stakeholders from the corn, livestock, and poultry industries and has already been submitted to the MAV Management Committee.

The committee, composed largely of the government's economic managers, will evaluate the proposal before endorsing it to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DA said.

The agency said the proposed increase is intended to reduce supply risks stemming from adverse weather conditions and rising production costs.

“We have endorsed the proposed increase in the corn MAV to anticipate possible supply tightness arising from weather-related risks and escalating production costs, particularly fertilizer and logistics expenses that remain vulnerable to disruptions from the lingering conflict in the Middle East,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA emphasized that the proposed expansion is not a permanent policy shift but a calibrated measure that would be activated only when supply conditions warrant, while minimizing any adverse impact on local corn farmers.

Yellow corn is a key ingredient in animal feed and accounts for a significant portion of production costs in the poultry and livestock industries.

The DA noted that sustained increases in feed prices, particularly corn, could drive up the prices of chicken, eggs, pork, and other food staples.—MCG, GMA News