MEAT IMPORTERS are calling on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to allocate the pork and poultry quotas for the minimum access volume (MAV), which should have been released during the first week of January.
The Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) said in a letter to the DA: “the quotas for the MAV year 2025 have not been distributed. This is the second time this has happened.”
The group added that since the start of the quota year on Feb. 1, the Systematic Distribution Process (SDP) has not been conducted.
“The SDP had been scheduled, rescheduled and then canceled until further notice,” it added in its letter to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.
It said that the delay in SDP may disrupt the meat trade as happened last year, when MAV allocations were also delayed.
“Importers are concerned about a repeat of last year, and orders will be put on hold, delayed or canceled,” MITA added.
Last year, the DA also postponed the distribution of MAV allocations.
“MITA strongly urges DA to allow MAV Secretariat (MAVSEC) to proceed with the distribution of the Beginning Year Pool,” it said.
“In the meantime, MAVSEC should be instructed to issue Provisional MAVICs (MAV import clearances) to ensure continuity of trade,” MITA added.
MAV grants trading partners guaranteed market access, subject to volume quotas. The MAV system is a feature of the World Trade Organization’s trading system.
The Philippines has committed to admit imports of 54,210 metric tons (MT) of pork and 23,500 MT of chicken. — Adrian H. Halili