MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a preliminary safeguard investigation into pork imports to determine whether rising foreign shipments are hurting the domestic hog industry.
In a statement Wednesday, the DA said the probe covers fresh, chilled and frozen pork, as well as offals and fats imported from 2021 to August 2026.
Initial assessments showed declining farmgate prices and producer income, shrinking market share and self-sufficiency, rising import penetration and growing commercial inventories.
These findings, the DA said, “could strengthen the case for safeguards,” but the investigation must first establish “whether increased imports are sufficiently linked to the reported injury.”
“The initiation itself does not constitute a final determination that foreign shipments are responsible, nor does it automatically impose additional duties or other restrictions,” it said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to help circulate the investigation notice and supporting documents to relevant foreign diplomatic missions.
In his Oct. 19 letter, Tiu Laurel cited “prima facie evidence” warranting the probe.
The DA said the European Union (EU) is a “central stakeholder in the proceedings” and has been formally notified through the EU Delegation in Manila.
DA data showed the EU accounted for about 47 percent of imports of the products under investigation from 2021 to 2025.
Brazil, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States were among the other leading suppliers identified in the DA documents.
