The Philippines is the second largest producer of pineapples after Costa Rica. Authorities in the Philippines have requested the USDA-APHIS to authorize importation of pineapples based on a pest risk assessment.
It would be appropriate to grant the request subject to scientific validity. Concurrently as a gesture, the Philippines should reduce the inappropriate 30 percent import duty on U.S. pork and also permit imports of chicken. Both protein products are needed by consumers as a result of shortages of pork caused by uncontrolled African swine fever.