The Philippines and Russia have agreed on a “regionalization” deal to facilitate Russian pork exports to the country.
Under the arrangement, a country-wide import ban will no longer apply, allowing swine and swine products from ASF-free areas in Russia.
Through Memorandum Order No. 80, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized the regionalization of African swine fever (ASF) and lifted the temporary ban on Russian pork products.
The DA said Russia “maintains sufficient veterinary oversight and has established necessary control and mitigating measures against ASF.”
Such measures ensure “low risk of importing swine products, and by-products, including meat from identified proposed zones for recognition,” the agency added.
All imports will follow bilaterally agreed terms, the DA’s circular on ASF regionalization, and existing regulations.
The DA noted the move aligns with similar agreements previously made with Brazil, Czechia, Poland, France, and Canada, and aims to support trade while safeguarding local swine industries.
