The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) is calling for the urgent distribution of the minimum access volume (MAV) quota to meat importers and traders, citing potential trade disruptions that could negatively impact the country’s supply chain and contribute to food inflation.
The MAV system, which allows agricultural products to be imported into the Philippines at a lower tariff rate, is part of the country’s commitment to the World Trade Organization.
However, the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) has reported that the MAV quota allocation has not been released since the first week of January. This delay mirrors a similar issue in 2024, with concerns that orders could be delayed, canceled, or put on hold this year.
BCCP Executive Chairman Chris Nelson noted the signing of Executive Order No. 62, which extended the lowered tariff rates for pork and other agricultural products through 2028. The order was aimed at augmenting supply, stabilizing prices, and easing inflationary pressures.
Nelson also pointed to ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector, including weather disturbances and the persistence of African Swine Fever (ASF), which remains active in 9 regions, 15 provinces, 40 municipalities, and 130 barangays as of January 31, 2025.
While headline inflation stabilized at 2.9% in January 2025, food inflation increased to 4.0% from 3.5% in December 2024. Meat and other parts of slaughtered animals continue to be a primary contributor to this rise.
“In terms of importation, we want to ensure that MAV import licenses are issued this year,” Nelson said. “We want to make sure that everything is going forward because inflation is a major challenge not just in the Philippines but also in the US, the UK, and across Europe.”
The British Chamber has maintained close collaboration with the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), conducting multiple trade missions and market briefings since 2018. These efforts underscore the growing potential of British meat in the Philippine market.
According to AHDB data, the Philippines imported £30 million worth of pork and over £2 million worth of beef from the UK in January-November 2024, making it the second-largest UK pork export market in Asia, after China. The Philippines also remains the largest export market for several of its trading partners, including Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.
