NEWS: Philippines – Temporary Decrease in Tariffs for Fresh, Chilled and Frozen Pork Imports

This notification is in follow-up to the April 15, 2021 message from the Market Access Secretariat regarding the Republic of the Philippines’ temporary lowering of import duties for fresh, chilled and frozen pork for a period of 12 months (April 7, 2021 to April 7, 2022) via Executive Order 128.

Please be advised that on May 10, 2021, the Republic of the Philippines enacted Executive Order (EO) 133, temporarily increasing the minimum access volume (MAV) for fresh meat, chilled and frozen pork. EO133 is implemented in conjunction with EO134, which  amends (raises) the previously lowered import duties under EO 128.  While the duties have been partially increased, they remain significantly below normal rates that existed prior to their April 2021 reduction.  Please refer to the below copies of EO133 and EO134 for reference (and see below table for a comparison of rates in the initial April EO 128 and subsequent revisions in the May EO 134).

The standard MAV allocation for pork imports in the Philippines from all exporting countries was 54,000MT and increased to 254,210MT. These temporary measures are in immediate effect and are currently set to expire on December 31, 2021. Volumes authorized under the quota are allocated to licensed Philippine meat importers. If the new Temporary MAV is not filled, the remaining quantity will not be carried over 2022.

EO134 amends the tariffs previously announced by EO128, published on 8 April 2021, on fresh, chilled, and frozen pork to:

periodofeffectivity

Please note that the revised tariffs outlined in EO134 came into effect on May 17, 2021. Therefore, shipments arriving at Philippine customs before the publication of this Executive Order will be tariffed at the rates in effect under EO128. Canadian exporters of pork products are encouraged to contact their Philippine importers to determine the appropriate procedures to follow.

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Manila can provide advice and valuable market intelligence to Canadian companies seeking to export to the Philippines and facilitate introductions to licensed Philippine meat importers. Please contact Ms. Angel Cachuela (Angel.Cachuela@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner for Agriculture and Agri-food commodities, and Ms. Louise Pasadilla (Louise.Pasadilla@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner for Agriculture and Retail food at the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, for more information.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Market Access Secretariat at aafc.mas-sam.aac@canada.ca.


April 15, 2021 – On April 8, 2021, the Republic of the Philippines enacted Executive Order 128 (attached), temporarily lowering import duties for fresh, chilled and frozen pork for a period of 12 months.   The Order aims to remedy the pork supply shortfall and increase in pork prices resulting from the effects of African swine fever (ASF) on the Philippines’ domestic hog industry. These measures are in immediate effect and currently set to expire on April 7, 2022

The Order reduces duties on pork imported into the Philippines from 30% to 5% for imports that fall within the minimum access volume (MAV), and from 40% to 15% for imports that do not fall within the MAV. These tariff rates will increase by 10% for in-quota imports and 20% for out-of-quota imports after four months. These tariff rates will return to 30% for in-quota imports and 40% for out-of-quota imports after 12 months. The current MAV allocation for pork imports from all exporting countries is 54,000MT. The Philippines is further deliberating on a possible increase in the MAV for pork imports to 350,000 MT. The Market Access Secretariat will provide a separate status update to advise of any outcomes from this deliberation.

The Order specifies the following pork products, by HS Code, as being subject to reduced duties: 020311.00; 020312.00; 020319.00; 020321.00; 020322.00 and 02032900. Canada has market access for these pork products, which are normally subjected to tariff rates ranging from 30% to 40%. The following table summarizes the decrease in tariffs for over 12 months:

Period of Effectivity

Volumes authorized under the quota are allocated to licensed Philippine meat importers and will expire when filled or upon the expiry of the Order. Exporters of pork products are encouraged to contact their Philippine importers to determine the appropriate procedures to follow.

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Manila can provide advice and useful market intelligence to Canadian companies seeking to export to the Philippines and facilitate introductions to licensed Philippine meat importers. Please contact Ms. Angel Cachuela (Angel.Cachuela@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner for Agriculture and Agri-food commodities, and Ms. Louise Pasadilla (Louise.Pasadilla@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner for Agriculture and Retail food at the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines for more information.

Exporters are advised to contact their local office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for more information on export conditions and certification requirements.  Please refer to this link to find the nearest office: CFIA offices.

Below is a copy of Decree 128 for your review. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Market Access Secretariat at aafc.mas-sam.aac@canada.ca.