July 10, 2026
 

Philippines' meat imports jump 22% in first five months of 2026 as domestic output lags

Pork, chicken and beef imports all rose by double digits as African swine fever continues to constrain domestic livestock production.

The Philippines imported 726,936 metric tonnes of meat products between January and May 2026, up nearly 22% from 596,619 metric tonnes in the same period last year, according to Bureau of Customs data cited by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD). The House of Representatives think tank said the country continues to rely on imported meat to supplement domestic production still affected by African swine fever (ASF).

Pork remained the largest imported meat commodity, with volumes rising over 23% to 395,022 tonnes from 319,665 tonnes a year earlier. Chicken imports grew 19% to 244,959 tonnes from 205,232 tonnes, while beef imports rose 21% to 86,955 tonnes from 71,722 tonnes.

CPBRD said frozen cuts accounted for approximately 544,900 tonnes, or around 75% of total import volume, as extended transit times from major suppliers make deep-freezing necessary for shipments reaching the Philippines. The agency noted that freezing also allows traders to stockpile inventory in cold storage while slowing microbial growth ahead of processing and retail distribution.

Brazil remained the leading supplier, accounting for around 396,600 tonnes, or 55% of total import volume by the end of May. CPBRD attributed Brazil's dominance to aggressive pricing and its large domestic production capacity.

The Bureau of Customs collected a total of PHP10.47 billion (US$183 million) in tariff and value-added tax revenues from pork, chicken and beef imports as of May, part of a broader pool of livestock, poultry and dairy import revenue used to finance the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF). Mandated under the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, AnCEF is intended to strengthen local livestock, poultry and dairy sectors through a guaranteed annual allocation of PHP20 billion (US$350 million) over ten years. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the fund will likely be folded into the Department of Agriculture's 2027 budget rather than remain separate, citing tighter fiscal space.

Total revenue from imported meat products reached PHP22.42 billion (US$393 million) last year, up nearly 30% from PHP17.28 billion (US$303 million) in 2024.

- Manila Bulletin