March 20, 2025

UK and Philippines reach trade agreement on beef and poultry exports

Trade barriers preventing the export of UK beef and poultry to the Philippines have been lifted following discussions between officials from both countries.

Ministers from the UK and the Philippines met in London on March 17, 2025 at the inaugural Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO), where they reached an agreement to resume exports. The combined value of beef and poultry exports to the Philippines is estimated at £80 million over five years.

The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia and serves as the UK's fourth-largest export market for pork. The current trade relationship between the two countries is worth GBP 2.8 billion (US$3.6 billion) annually. JETCO aims to expand this partnership and create further trade opportunities. Investment prospects in the Philippines for UK agricultural businesses were also discussed.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture formalised the lifting of the poultry ban in September 2024. Before the restriction, the UK was the sixth-largest supplier of poultry imports to the Philippines. The removal of a temporary ban on beef imports has also been welcomed by stakeholders in the beef industry.

UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, and Philippine Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Allan B. Gepty, committed to strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and technology.

They also agreed to advance discussions on a government-to-government Financing Framework Partnership, which could unlock up to GBP 5 billion (U$6.4 billion) in potential financing from UK Export Finance. This initiative aims to support the development of sustainable public infrastructure and improve access to UK expertise and technology in the Philippines.

Alexander stated that lifting the bans would benefit the UK's agricultural sector by reopening access to the Philippine market, which has a population of 112 million.

The International Meat Trade Association welcomed the development, highlighting the importance of the Philippines' decision to lift the bans on UK poultry and beef. The association expressed optimism about the continued growth of trade between the two countries.

- FoodBev Media