In a significant policy shift, the Philippine government has approved an increase in the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons. This decision, supported by the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP), aims to enhance food security and ensure adequate pork supply in light of ongoing disruptions caused by African swine fever (ASF). Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the higher MAV could foster market competition and potentially lower pork prices for consumers. However, local hog raisers have expressed concerns that this move may disadvantage domestic producers by favoring a small number of importers. The BCCP argues that this measure will strengthen agricultural trade ties between the Philippines and the UK, with pork constituting a significant portion of UK meat exports to the Philippines. The MAV scheme, introduced in 1996, allows specific agricultural product volumes to enter the country at reduced tariffs, with pork imports under the MAV subject to a 15% tariff.