DA expects pork prices to drop this March

The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects pork prices to decrease within March following agreements among hog industry stakeholders to reduce prices.

Farmgate prices have fallen to P220-P240 per kilo from a February peak of P250-P260.

DA assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that this reduction at the farmgate level alone could contribute to a P10 to P20 decrease in retail prices.

The DA is considering a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork, though prices are expected to drop even without it.

As of March 4, the retail price of pork liempo in Metro Manila was P450/kg and pork kasim was P380/kg.

The latest DA price monitoring shows pork ham now ranges from P350 to P420, down from P370 to P430 at the start of the month.

Pork belly prices previously ranging from P380 to P480 have slightly dropped to P375 to P480.

Logistics and transport providers, known as "biyaheros," have also agreed to help lower retail prices by adjusting their profit margins.