Europe-PH News

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) said the executive order (EO) that increased the minimum access value (MAV) for pork imports is expected to boost trade between the Philippines and the UK.

In a statement on Tuesday, the group expressed support for EO 116, which raised the MAV for pork to 204,210 metric tons (MT) from 54,210 MT previously.

“We believe that an increase in MAV volume represents an important step toward strengthening  UK-Philippine bilateral trade and the country’s overall food security efforts,” BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson was quoted as saying.

Bilateral trade between the Philippines and the UK rose 8.9% to 3.2 billion pounds sterling in 2025.

The BCCP said it has been pushing for lower tariffs and a higher MAV on pork and other meat products to ensure food security amid the country’s growing population, the arising African Swine Fever (ASF), and rising food inflation.

The MAV is a feature of the global trading system under which countries agree to admit imports in certain volumes, as a means of granting overseas producers access to their markets. Pork imports within the MAV quota pay a tariff of 15%, while shipments beyond the quota pay 25%.

The BCCP said it hopes to introduce high-quality British meat products and partner with Philippine importers.

“We remain open to further discussions on the revised increase of MAV, including the allocations, which we have been supporting since 2023,” Mr. Nelson said. 

EO 116 was issued in response to the continued presence of ASF, which has greatly reduced domestic hog numbers since 2019.

Food inflation accelerated to 6.1% in April from 2.7% in March and 0.7% a year earlier after the rise in petroleum prices drove up costs for transport and farming.