July 22, 2024

Philippines' broiler association blames imported chicken for local poultry losses amid price surge

The United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) in the Philippines has attributed the flooding of imported frozen chicken to the losses suffered by local poultry raisers, coinciding with spikes in farmgate and retail prices of chicken, The Philippine Star reported.

UBRA chairman emeritus Gregorio San Diego stated that numerous poultry raisers have been compelled to limit their operations or cease chicken production to avoid further financial losses.

He said many farmers suffered losses from October 2023 up to April 2024 because of the flooding of imported chicken.

He added that the decision by many broiler farmers to cut back on production and the closure of several poultry farms have led to a decrease in the supply of local chicken.

Monitoring by the Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) in Metro Manila markets showed the retail price of chicken reaching as high as PHP 250 (US$4.28) per kg.

San Diego asserted that the PHP 250 (US$4.28) per kg price for whole chicken is unreasonable when compared to the farmgate price.

He reported that the farmgate price of chicken in Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan is only PHP 140 (US$2.40) per kg.

The DA has warned that traders involved in overpricing will be held liable for profiteering under the Price Act, emphasising that the PHP 250 (US$4.28) per kg price is excessive.

The agency maintains that the prevailing price of chicken should range only between PHP 200 (US$3.43) and PHP 210 (US$3.60) per kg.

-      The Philippine Star