May 20, 2009
Philippine beef imports drop sharply in April
Beef imports to the Philippines during April fell 42 percent compared with the same time last year, to 6,709 tonnes swt.
Imports of beef have been on a downward trend since September 2008, with the economic slowdown impacting consumer demand for manufacturing products.
Beef imports fell across all countries of origin in April, although the main suppliers remained India, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Volumes of Indian carabeef fell 29 percent during April year-on-year, to 3,850 tonnes swt, followed by a 41-percent slump in imports of Brazilian beef to 773 tonnes swt.
During April, Philippines also imported 59-percent and 62-percent less Australian and New Zealand beef on a year ago, respectively, at 1,010 tonnes swt and 582 tonnes swt.
Beef imports to the Philippines in the four months to April totalled 30,928 tonnes swt, a 32-percent fall compared with the same period in 2008. With demand for manufacturing beef remaining soft, beef imports to the Philippines are expected to remain subdued over the coming month.
