MAKATI CITY — The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), headquartered in Makati, is projecting a significant boost in bilateral trade and localized investments following the government’s landmark expansion of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork imports. The signing of Executive Order No. 116, which raised the pork MAV from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons, represents a near-fourfold increase that the chamber views as a critical step toward strengthening UK-Philippines trade relations and enhancing the country‘s food security. BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson described the expansion as an important step toward strengthening bilateral trade and supporting overall food security efforts.
A Strategic Win for Food Security and Trade
The new MAV framework, formalized under Executive Order 116, was issued to secure the country's pork supply following years of disruption from African Swine Fever (ASF), which has weighed heavily on domestic hog production and driven food inflation. The order also serves as an emergency component under the broader Executive Order No. 110 (s. 2026), the UPLIFT framework—a "whole-of-government" response designed to insulate the country from global market shocks, including supply chain disruptions impacting transport and feed costs.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the higher quota would stimulate market competition and help stabilize consumer prices. The BCCP has consistently advocated for an MAV increase since 2023, citing population growth, ASF-related supply constraints, and rising food inflation as key drivers. The MAV scheme allows pork imports within the quota to be taxed at an in-quota rate of 15 percent, while volumes above the threshold attract a 25 percent out-of-quota duty.
UK Exports on the Rise Amid Strong Demand
The United Kingdom is already an active supplier to the Philippines. Bureau of Animal Industry data show that the UK exported 3,229 metric tons of meat to the country in the first two months of 2026, with pork accounting for 2,656 metric tons of that total. According to data from the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), British pork exports to the Philippines have seen sustained upward growth into 2026, highlighted by a notable surge in offal shipments to support local meat processing needs. The Philippines currently ranks as the UK’s second largest market for pork products in Asia, next to China. To support this momentum, the BCCP has facilitated eight trade missions since 2021, signaling sustained market opportunities for pork, beef, and lamb.
A Forward-Looking Partnership
The Chamber’s optimism extends beyond pork. With the Philippines serving as ASEAN Chair and the UK-Philippines celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations, the BCCP sees a highly favorable environment for deepening economic ties. The BCCP has welcomed ongoing, consultative dialogues with the Department of Agriculture regarding the distribution of the expanded MAV framework to ensure efficient importation and market stabilization. For businesses in Makati and beyond, the expanded framework signals a more predictable and resilient trading environment, reinforcing the city’s role as the nerve center for international commerce and investment in the Philippines.
