0
Based on data, there is a significant inventory of both domestically slaughtered and imported pork in cold storage facilities in the Philippines, accredited by the Department of Agriculture’s National Meat Inspection Service (DA-NMIS). As of the third week of October 2020, the inventory of frozen pork, both local and imported, in DA-NMIS-accredited cold storages nationwide was up by 55% compared to the same period in 2019, at 38,216 MT.
“We’re looking into reasons why there’s a very slow withdrawal of frozen pork products despite the availability of supply, and demand has started to pick up as the government opens up the economy,” DA Secretary William Dar said.
As of October 21, prices of kasim (pork ham) reached P320/kg and liempo (pork belly) at P360/kg in most Metro Manila public markets, P20 and P40 more respectively, compared to two weeks ago.
The DA is looking at whether the high prices were a result of inefficiencies in the supply chain. The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is also investigating possible violations of the Philippine Competition Act by traders that may be manipulating pork supply.
October 23, 2020/ Department of Agriculture/ Philippines.
https://www.da.gov.ph/
