Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30) —The Philippines has granted market access to US cattle embryos, with expected sales of $400,000 within the year.
“On May 19, 2020, the Philippines formally granted market access to U.S. bovine embryos, leveling the playing field for U.S. exporters vis-à-vis the competition in Australia and Canada,” the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a report on May 28.
The agency estimates that sales within the year could reach $400,000 “specifically to support the dairy industry and for use by agricultural colleges and research institutions.”
“However, opportunities for embryo use by the private sector and for the beef industry as a whole are currently limited,” the USDA noted. “Opportunities for increased sales may open up in the next two to three years with new government initiatives being implemented in an effort to expand the local beef and dairy production.”
The Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the US and the Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) have finalized the health standards for importation of the said commodity, the agency said.
The USDA said licensed importers must secure a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the BAI. Also, products must not be shipped prior to the issuance of the permit, yet it must be shipped no later than 60 days following its issuance.
On tariff rates, the Most Favored Nation tariff rate for bovine embryos is one percent, but importers may receive zero tariff as stated under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act, “subject to submission of a Certificate of Eligibility or Certificate of Accreditation, issued by DA,” the USDA said.
Government data showed that as of January 1, the country’s cattle inventory was about 2.542 million head, 0.3% higher year-on-year.
