Meat imports surge amid lower tariffs

The country's meat imports increased by 17 percent to over one million metric tons (MT) from January to August, as traders ramped up purchases to take advantage of the government-imposed lower tariff rate.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

The latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed that meat imports during the first eight months reached 1.06 million MT, surpassing the 907,771 MT recorded in the same period last year.

Pork accounted for more than half of the total volume, with shipments reaching 573,091 MT during the eight-month period.

Offals and pork cuts were the leading varieties, combining for a total of 425,583 MTjust under 25,000 MT shy of total pork imports in the same period last year, which stood at 450,361 MT.

BAI data indicated that pork imports were up 27 percent compared to last year.