Metro Manila, Philippines – The country will allow 280,000 metric tons (MT) more corn imports under a lower tariff quota this year to ease feed costs and help stabilize meat prices in anticipation of a possible shortage.
Under Executive Order No. 129 signed by President Bongbong Marcos on Oct. 26, the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn imports will increase from 220,000 to half a million MT.
The government has a projected yellow corn supply deficit of 1.422 million MT from March to December 2026, which the government attributed to domestic production constraints, rising agricultural input costs and potential El Niño impact.
Yellow corn is a major ingredient in livestock and poultry feed. A tight supply could raise production costs for hog and poultry raisers, adding pressure on pork and chicken prices.
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The increase was deemed approved after Congress did not act on the proposal within 15 days of receiving it on Sept. 29, as provided under the Agricultural Tariffication Act.
EO 129 directed the MAV Management Committee to issue implementing guidelines within 30 days of the order’s effectivity. These must make sure the additional imports are allocated transparently and used to address feed supply needs.
