In the Philippines, minister says he is 'optimistic' with negotiations and that restriction on pork from Brazil 'is a 60-day measure'

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, stated this Saturday (14) that he is "optimistic" with the Brazilian government's negotiations with Philippine authorities regarding the import of Brazilian pork into the Asian country.

This week, the Philippine government suspended pork imports. The Philippine market is the largest buyer of pork from Brazil, with 25% of the total exported by the country. Almost half of the pork consumed in the Philippines is of Brazilian origin.

In an interview with journalists in Manila, capital of the Philippines, André de Paula stated that he will have a meeting with the Secretary of Agriculture of the Asian country next Monday (14) to discuss the issue.

The minister said that the suspension of the purchase of pork from Brazil is "a 60-day measure" and, therefore, should not extend throughout 2027.

"We started a conversation with the presidents and ministers. I am very optimistic that we can move forward. I think this balance will be possible on Monday, when I will be here, with the Ministry's technical team, we will meet with the Secretary of Agriculture [of the Philippines] and his technical team", declared André de Paula.

"This will give us the opportunity to find out in more detail, but what I could say at this point is that the signs are positive, they are reassuring and I am very optimistic. I can say, this was stated by the president himself, this is a 60-day measure", he added.

The Minister of Agriculture also said that the Brazilian government is willing to accept requests from the Philippine government in the area and said that the two countries have a "very good", "solid" relationship lasting 80 years.