As an advocate for food security and food supply, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines supports the Department of Finance (DoF) announcement that the government considers the possible extension of reduced tariff rates on agriculture commodities: pork, corn, rice, and coal.
Executive Order No. 10 currently maintains lower tariff rates for pork (5 percent in-quota, 25 percent out-quota) until December 31, 2023.
“The British Chamber has continuously advocated for extending the lower tariff rates for meat supply. We hope that the lowered tariff rates for pork will be maintained in order to ensure food security, deal with inflation, and also help the global supply chain,” said Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson.
Last year, the British Chamber hosted two trade missions promoting high-quality British pork in the Philippines. Further, UK pork exports in the Philippines increased by 34 percent with over 30,00 tonnes in 2022.
To continue the momentum, the Chamber invited two meat importers, Atkins and Ramcar for the Great Yorkshire Show – Business Trade Mission in the UK in July.
Last week, the Chamber also supported Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (ADHB) participation at WOFEX 2023, along with UK meat exporters’ representatives from Dunbia, Foyle, GPS Food Group, Norwest Foods International Ltd., and ABP Group.
The extension of lowered tariffs on meat is part of the 2023 objectives of the British Chamber. The Chamber hopes that this extension of lowered tariff rates on agricultural commodities will be carefully reviewed and considered for next year, and help in attaining food security in the country.