1.Philippines Lifts Ban on Taiwan Pork Imports After ASF-Free Status Restored

The Philippines will resume imports of Taiwan's breeding pigs, semen, pork, offal and pig skin from May 14, following Taipei’s recovery of African swine fever (ASF)-free status, Taiwan’s animal health authority said. The move follows Taiwan’s April 6 recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as ASF-free, restoring its status as the only country in Asia free of ASF, foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever. Singapore had earlier resumed imports. Exports were suspended after a single ASF case in October 2025, which authorities contained within one farm and eliminated within a month through coordinated efforts. Taiwan began engaging the Philippines soon after the outbreak was cleared, submitting supporting data alongside its WOAH application and securing Manila’s approval in late April. Before the suspension, Taiwan had exported a cumulative 475 tonnes of pork and offal to the Philippines since gaining market access in 2023. Officials said they will continue to expand overseas sales, targeting markets including Japan and Malaysia.

2.Taiwan Balances Labor Rights, Fisheries Needs in Migrant Worker Policy Talks

Taiwan's Fisheries Agency said it is continuing cross-ministerial consultations to refine policies on migrant fishermen, aiming to balance labor rights with stable workforce supply after industry concerns over recruitment fees raised at a May 2 employers’ event.　The agency, working with the Ministry of Labor, will engage with source countries to clarify recruitment cost structures and prevent excessive charges, while expanding training and support for new entrants. It also plans to improve direct hiring mechanisms, facilitate the transition of experienced workers into mid-level skilled roles, and explore more flexible labor arrangements to meet seasonal fishing demand. Officials said Taiwan’s fisheries sector relies heavily on migrant labor, making stable supply a priority alongside worker protections. The Ministry of Agriculture has gathered industry feedback to shape supporting measures and said policies remain under preparation, with further consultation planned to build consensus before implementation.