In a strategic effort to combat soaring pork prices, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to allocate this year’s pork minimum access volume (MAV) to Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) and Planters Product Inc. (PPI). This initiative aims to import pork at a reduced 15 percent tariff, making it more affordable for consumers.
During an impromptu interview, Tiu Laurel explained that this allocation would empower the DA to purchase pork internationally at a lower cost, thereby helping to stabilize local prices. He stated, ‘This will give us the ability to buy pork from abroad at a reduced tax rate under the MAV, helping to control prices when necessary.’
The total pork MAV for this year is set at 55,000 metric tons. Tiu Laurel outlined that 30,000 tons are designated for meat processors, while 15,000 tons will be managed by the DA through FTI and PPI. The remaining 10,000 tons will be evenly distributed among eligible traders.
Although these plans are still in the proposal stage and not yet finalized, Tiu Laurel assured that the distribution of the pork MAV remains on schedule, with final allocations expected before the end of February. This move comes amidst concerns from the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) about potential delays and the impact of these changes on the distribution timeline.