THE Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) has opposed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposal to raise pork tariffs, warning that the move would increase food prices without addressing problems confronting local hog raisers.In a position paper submitted to the Tariff Commission, the group argued that the recent decline in farmgate prices was caused by seasonal and structural factors, including panic selling amid fears of African swine fever (ASF), rather than a surge in imports.The DA has proposed raising pork tariffs by 10 percentage points in 2027 — 25 percent for imports within the minimum access volume and 35 percent for those outside the quota. The rates would increase to 30 percent and 40 percent, respectively, the following year.The current rates of 15 percent within the quota and 25 percent outside it are covered by Executive Order 62, which extended reduced pork tariffs until 2028.MITA president emeritus Jesus Cham said higher tariffs would fail to resolve the domestic swine industry’s underlying problems.“Premature tariff hikes will stoke food inflation, threaten the raw material supply of food manufacturers and impose unnecessary costs on consumers,” Cham said.MITA said farmgate prices usually soften during the rainy season since small-scale raisers sell pigs early to avoid possible losses from disease and severe weather. Some farmers also sell livestock to cover tuition and household expenses at the start of the school year.The group said Philippine Statistics Authority data showed similar midyear price declines in the years following ASF outbreaks, regardless of import volumes.MITA warned that higher duties would raise wholesale costs for households and food businesses. Processors relying on imported pork bellies and shoulder meat would face higher production costs, while restaurants might be forced to absorb the increase or raise menu prices.It also argued that raising tariffs could affect the country’s trade negotiations, including the proposed Philippines-European Union free trade agreement and accession talks involving the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.Instead of raising tariffs, MITA urged the government to retain the reduced rates beyond 2028 to stabilize food prices and give local farmers time to rebuild their herds.Bureau of Animal Industry data showed that meat imports reached 1.14 billion kilograms (kg) from January to August. Pork accounted for 602.65 million kg, up 5.2 percent from 573.09 million kg a year earlier.
