March 3, 2008

Philippines boost poultry exports to Japan by 30 percent

The Philippines projects 33-percent rise in its poultry exports to Japan this year, at 8,000 tonnes.

However, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) director Davinio Catbagan, said the 30-percent hike is still lower than the vast opportunity offered by the industry.

Japan is the only country where the Philippines exports its poultry.

BAI said the low-performing export is caused by high feed costs, compared to feed prices in Thailand or Brazil.

The country was supposed to capture part of the Abu Dhabi market as importers sought for a two container per week poultry supply from the Philippines.

Yet the high cost of poultry against other markets blocked the shipment.

BAI supports the Department of Agriculture's corn production expansion programme, while raising competitiveness of the industry through a breeder accreditation programme.