Manila:The Department of Agriculture (DA) has initiated a preliminary safeguard investigation into pork imports to assess their potential impact on the domestic hog industry. This move aims to determine if the increasing volume of foreign pork shipments is adversely affecting local producers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the investigation will examine imports of fresh, chilled, and frozen pork, as well as offals and fats, from the period of 2021 to August 2026. Initial assessments have indicated several concerns, including declining farmgate prices and producer income, a decrease in market share and self-sufficiency, an increase in import penetration, and growing commercial inventories.

The DA noted that these initial findings could support the need for implementing safeguards, but emphasized that the investigation must first confirm whether the increased imports are directly linked to the reported industry harm. The department clarified that the initiation of the investigation does not imply a final determination that imports are responsible, nor does it automatically lead to additional duties or restrictions.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has reached out to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to assist in distributing the investigation notice and supporting documentation to relevant foreign diplomatic missions. In his letter dated October 19, Tiu Laurel referenced "prima facie evidence" justifying the investigation.

The DA identified the European Union (EU) as a major stakeholder in this process and formally notified them through the EU Delegation in Manila. Data from the DA indicated that from 2021 to 2025, the EU accounted for approximately 47 percent of pork product imports under scrutiny. Other significant suppliers highlighted in the DA documents include Brazil, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States.