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USMEF seeks tariff reductions for U.S. pork exports to the Philippines

The US Meat Export Federation is seeking long-term tariff relief for U.S. pork in the Philippines. 

Temporary tariff reductions (from 30% to 15% for in-quota imports and 40% to 25% for out-of-quota imports) were implemented in 2021 to help alleviate supply constraints and lessen the impact of African swine fever. 

Erin Borror, vice president of economic analysis for USMEF says long-term adoption of the tariff reductions would benefit Philippine consumers.  “African swine fever is also still spreading in the Philippines,” she says.  “There should be a clearer incentive for the Philippine government to extend tariff reductions for a longer period of time.”

Borror says USMEF has submitted comments to the Philippine Tariff Commission as it reviews its most favored nation tariff schedule, citing the success of establishing free trade with South Korea.  “Since implementation in 2012, South Korea’s tariff on imported pork has been phased to zero,” she says.  “At the same time, Korea’s pork production has grown by roughly 30 percent, to a record level.  And consumption has grown by 35 percent.”

The Philippines partially extended the tariff rate reductions in 2022, but did not increase the quota volumes resulting in most U.S. pork is levied a 25 percent tariff rate (which is reduced from 40%).

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