Meat importers still see price spike during ‘ber’ months

Retail prices of pork may remain elevated despite lifting the ban on poultry imports from Brazil, the leading supplier of imported meat, due to the seasonal demand during the so-called “ber months.”

In a message to the Inquirer, Meat Importers and Traders Association president emeritus Jesus Cham said it is “difficult to say” whether retail chicken prices will stabilize or continue to rise as local supply also impacts pricing.

“New orders will arrive in September,” Cham said. “However prices have already gone up and we will see where they settle once new supply is available.”

“Unfortunately, that is also the beginning of the ber months so the trajectory will be upward,” he added.

Assistant Agriculture Secretary Arnel de Mesa earlier said the recent development would reduce retail prices of chicken amid the increased demand for meat products.