DA Pushes Higher Tariffs on Meat, Coffee, and Farm Imports

Department of Agriculture Seeks Tariff Adjustments on Key Farm Products

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture is pushing for higher tariffs on selected imported farm products, including meat and coffee, to provide stronger protection for local producers amid rising import competition.

Agriculture officials said the tariff adjustments would serve as safeguard measures against low-priced imports that may disrupt local markets. Industry groups, particularly from the livestock and coffee sectors, are expected to benefit from the planned policy changes. The move forms part of the government's broader strategy to support agricultural sustainability, strengthen food security, and protect domestic producers while balancing trade and consumer interests.

The agency stated that price-based Special Safeguard (SSG) measures will be applied on a shipment-by-shipment basis, depending on the difference between the actual CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) price upon lodgment of import documents and the corresponding trigger price.