Philippines Meat Imports Rise: Pork in Focus

Pork Import Dynamics

According to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), pork imports into the Philippines increased by 30% to 250,970 metric tons. Cuts and offal accounted for the majority of this volume, indicating changing consumer preferences and market adaptation to new conditions. Domestic pork supplies remain limited due to ongoing African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks , making imports a key source of MEAT for the population. Chicken and Beef

Imports

In addition to pork, imports of other types of meat also increased. Chicken imports increased by 15% to 154,540 metric tons, primarily due to the supply of mechanically deboned meat. This demonstrates strong demand among Filipino consumers for affordable and convenient meat products.

Beef imports increased by 9%, also indicating stable demand for this type of meat. At the same time, supplies of buffalo, duck, and turkey have declined, possibly due to changing consumer preferences and economic factors. Brazil

remains the Philippines' primary supplier of pork, chicken, and beef. This is due to its high-quality products and competitive prices. However, amid domestic market instability, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture is taking steps to diversify import sources. In particular, accrediting countries such as Thailand and Taiwan could help stabilize meat supplies and reduce dependence on a single supplier. Outlook and Challenges: The Philippines' meat import situation highlights the need for effective food security management. Amid shortages of pork and other meats, the government must continue to explore new ways to provide the population with quality products. This includes not only diversifying supplies but also supporting local producers so they can restore capacity and enter the market with competitive offerings. Thus, April 2025 marks a significant milestone in the development of the Philippines' meat industry, and future actions by the government and business community will determine how the country will address the food security challenges it faces.