Brazil was the Philippines’ primary source of meat imports with Spain and the United States coming in second and third.

The EO modified tariff rates for pork, corn, rice, and coal, heeding the recommendation of the Economic Development Cluster to address the economic impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

As a result, the tariff rate for pork was brought down to 15 percent (in-quota shipments) and 25 percent (out-quota shipments), while rice’s was reduced to 35 percent. The tariff rate for corn was brought down to 5 percent (in-quota shipments) and 15 percent (out-quota shipments).

Allowing the importation of meat and limiting local production in this critical juncture will cause a stoppage in the operations of some farms and production cannot be revived for another 12 to 18 months.