South Korea’s Pork Exports to Philippines Resume After Six-Year Ban

Filipinos can now savor authentic South Korean samgyeopsal (pork belly strips) as the Philippines lifts a six-year ban on processed pork meat imports from South Korea. The decision, announced on June 16, 2025, marks a significant step in strengthening trade ties between the two nations while addressing long-standing concerns over food safety amid global outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF).

A Long-Awaited Policy Shift

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines officially lifted the temporary ban on South Korean pork products, a restriction initially imposed in 2019 under Department of Agriculture (DA) Memorandum Order No. 26. The original ban aimed to safeguard the country’s livestock industry from ASF, a highly contagious viral disease that devastated pig populations across Asia and Europe. At the time, South Korea was among several nations grappling with outbreaks, prompting Manila to halt imports as a precautionary measure.

After years of negotiations and assessments, the FDA issued Order No. 2023-0790-B, confirming the resumption of imports. “The temporary ban on the importation of pork meat products originating from the Republic of Korea that meet the above criteria is hereby lifted pursuant to Department of Agriculture Memorandum Order No. 23, series of 2025” said FDA Director General Paolo Teston. The decision follows an Import Risk Assessment (IRA) completed by the DA in April 2025, which concluded that sterilized pork products from South Korea meet the safety standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health and are considered a “safe commodity.”

Economic Implications for Both Nations

The lifting of the ban is expected to bolster economic ties between the Philippines and South Korea, two countries with a shared history of robust trade partnerships. South Korea, a major exporter of processed meat products, stands to regain a foothold in the Philippine market, where demand for Korean cuisine has surged in recent years. Samgyeopsal, a staple of Korean barbecue, has become a popular dish among Filipinos, driven by the cultural influence of K-pop and Korean dramas.

For the Philippines, the resumption of imports could help stabilize pork prices, which have fluctuated due to domestic supply challenges exacerbated by ASF outbreaks in recent years. Local hog farmers, however, may face increased competition from imported products, raising questions about the long-term impact on the agricultural sector. The government has yet to release detailed plans on how it will balance the influx of foreign pork with the need to protect local producers, a concern that has sparked debate among industry stakeholders.

Beyond immediate economic effects, this policy shift signals Manila’s growing confidence in international food safety protocols. The decision to allow South Korean pork while maintaining bans on imports from other ASF-affected countries—such as China, Germany, Indonesia, and Russia—reflects a nuanced approach to trade and public health. The FDA emphasized that restrictions on pork from these nations remain in place, underscoring a commitment to rigorous risk assessment.

Addressing Food Safety Concerns

The specter of African swine fever continues to loom large over the global pork industry. First detected in Africa nearly a century ago, ASF spread to Asia in 2018, with devastating consequences for countries like China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The disease, which has no vaccine or cure, can wipe out entire pig populations, leading to severe economic losses for farmers and food supply disruptions for consumers.

In the Philippines, ASF outbreaks since 2019 have led to the culling of hundreds of thousands of pigs, prompting the government to impose strict biosecurity measures and regional bans on pork movement. The decision to bar pork from ASF-hit areas, such as parts of Negros Occidental, remains in effect, highlighting the ongoing battle to contain the virus domestically. Against this backdrop, the approval of South Korean imports required extensive scrutiny to ensure that sterilized products pose no risk of introducing the disease.

The DA’s Import Risk Assessment likely considered South Korea’s success in managing ASF outbreaks through stringent quarantine measures, mass culling, and advancements in sterilization technology for exported meat. While the specifics of the IRA report are not publicly available, the endorsement by both the DA and FDA suggests a high level of confidence in Seoul’s compliance with international standards. Still, public health experts caution that vigilance is essential, as even processed products can carry risks if improperly handled during transport or storage.

Cultural and Consumer Impact

For Filipino consumers, the return of South Korean pork products is more than just a trade policy update—it’s a cultural milestone. Korean cuisine has carved out a significant niche in the Philippines, with restaurants and home cooks alike embracing dishes like samgyeopsal, bulgogi, and kimchi. The availability of authentic Korean pork is expected to further fuel this culinary trend, offering a taste of Seoul’s vibrant food markets right in Manila’s bustling streets.

At an estimated cost of 500 Philippine Pesos (US$9) per kilogram for imported samgyeopsal, the product may initially cater to middle- and upper-income households or specialty restaurants. However, as supply chains stabilize, prices could become more accessible, potentially reshaping dining habits across the country. Social media platforms are already abuzz with excitement, with food enthusiasts sharing recipes and anticipation for Korean barbecue nights.

Yet, not all reactions are celebratory. Local farmers’ associations have expressed cautious optimism, urging the government to monitor the volume of imports and prevent market oversaturation. The tension between cultural exchange and economic protectionism remains a delicate issue, one that policymakers will need to navigate in the coming months.

Regional Context and Future Outlook

The Philippines’ decision to lift the ban on South Korean pork comes at a time when Southeast Asia is reevaluating its food security strategies. Neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand, also heavily impacted by ASF, have implemented their own import restrictions and domestic recovery programs. Vietnam, for instance, has made strides in rebuilding its pig population through government subsidies and international partnerships, while Thailand has tightened border controls to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus.

South Korea’s reentry into the Philippine market could set a precedent for other nations seeking to resume pork exports. If successful, this move might encourage Manila to reassess bans on other countries, provided they meet stringent safety criteria. However, any such decisions will likely face intense scrutiny from local stakeholders and the public, given the high stakes of preventing another ASF outbreak.

Looking ahead, the broader implications of this policy shift extend beyond pork. Trade agreements, food safety protocols, and agricultural innovation are increasingly intertwined in a region where economic resilience depends on balancing imports with self-sufficiency. As the Philippines navigates these complexities, the return of South Korean samgyeopsal serves as a small but symbolic reminder of globalization’s reach—even in the face of pandemics and protectionism.

As shipments of Korean pork begin to arrive, the question remains: will this culinary reunion strengthen ties between Manila and Seoul, or will it stir new challenges for an already strained agricultural sector? Only time will tell.