As the African swine fever (ASF) epidemic continues to spread in the Philippines, as of December 29, 2023, at least 64 of the 83 provinces in the Philippines have ASF cases. Nicanor Briones, president of the Philippine Pork Producers Federation, said that the Philippine pig industry has lost at least 200 billion pesos (approximately 25.6 billion yuan) due to ASF.
In addition, Nonon Tambago, president of the Philippine Pork Producers Federation, criticized the government for extending the tariff reduction period for imported pork until the end of December 2024. Tan pointed out that due to the plummeting farm-gate price of pigs, extending the tariff reduction period will further weaken the confidence of Philippine pig farmers. In the longer term, economic managers must consider the plight of local farmers and address the huge gap between farm gate and retail prices, rather than focusing on lowering tariffs and favoring a small number of importers and traders.
In addition, Nonon Tambago, president of the Philippine Pork Producers Federation, criticized the government for extending the tariff reduction period for imported pork until the end of December 2024. Tan pointed out that due to the plummeting farm-gate price of pigs, extending the tariff reduction period will further weaken the confidence of Philippine pig farmers. In the longer term, economic managers must consider the plight of local farmers and address the huge gap between farm gate and retail prices, rather than focusing on lowering tariffs and favoring a small number of importers and traders.