The National Pork Producers Council reports the United States and the Philippines have reached an agreement that resolves many of the long-standing trade issues between the two countries.

The agreement includes assurances that confiscations would end immediately, Veterinary Quarantine Certificates would not be used to restrict imports and the “test and hold” system would immediately revert to random sampling. Also, the Philippine Department of Agriculture has agreed to eliminate the requirement for pre-wrapping and thawing of frozen meat prior to sale, to make meat temperature the complying factor for sale and to allow the cutting/portioning of meat outside the container.

NPPC projects that the removal of the current pork import restrictions will potentially turn the Philippines into a major market for U.S. pork products.

Courtesy: NAFB News