The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) expressed support to the proposal to extend the low-tariff imports on meat imports.
The BCCP backs Executive Order (EO) No. 134 signed by President in May 2021. The tariff cuts ended last May 17.
The government pushing for the tariff reductions of pork to 15 percent for in quota and 25 percent quota with a minimum access volume (MAV) of 200,000 metric tons (MT) to also be extended until December to temper price spikes.
BCCP’s statement came as 9 top UK meat exporters were in Manila recently to explore additional opportunities to increase exports and strengthen their long-term relationships with Philippine counterparts.
BCCP, in partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) hosted the three-day British Meat Trade Mission event on May 17 to 19 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City.
Attended by key government agencies, meat importers and restaurant owners, the mission held various activities including Market Briefing presented by Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, keynote speech delivered by Department of Trade and Industry, panel discussion with meat industry leaders, business-to-business meetings, cooking demonstration and market visit.
The panel session with top industry leaders which includes the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc., Atkins Import and Export and Meat World International discussed insights on how British meat is perceived in the local market, strategies to grow their exports and maintain relationships with their partners.
According to UK’s AHDB reports, UK pork exports to the Philippines surged 200 percent to 25,200 tons in 2021 from 7,900 tons in 2020 proving strong demand for British pig meat.
For British beef, exports rose 29 percent in 2021 to 5,400 tons from 4,200 tons in 2020. – Irma Isip
