The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) has raised concern over new rules governing pork Minimum Access Volume (MAV) allocations, warning that sudden changes in import guidelines could disrupt established supply chains and affect food price stability.
AmCham reiterated its support for Executive Order No. 116, which expands the pork MAV as part of government efforts to ease supply constraints, manage African Swine Fever (ASF) pressures, and stabilize prices for consumers. The group said the policy direction is timely and necessary amid ongoing pressures in the local meat supply.
However, AmCham cautioned that recently issued MAV allocation guidelines introduce uncertainty for long-standing importers that have built logistics and cold storage systems supporting nationwide food distribution.
The chamber noted that abrupt adjustments to allocation frameworks may undermine operational stability and potentially affect the availability and pricing of pork in the domestic market, despite the policy’s intended goal of improving supply.
While supporting government efforts to improve transparency and curb misuse in import systems, AmCham stressed that reforms should remain predictable, proportionate, and data-driven, warning that sudden policy shifts could weaken investor confidence in the sector.
AmCham also welcomed the move of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food to engage industry stakeholders, supporting its appeal for the temporary suspension of the new guidelines to allow further review and consultation with concerned sectors.