July 28, 2026
 

Philippines meat imports rise 12% to 872,000 tonnes in H1 2026 as pork deficit drives record purchases

Brazil supplied nearly half of total imports while pork accounted for more than half of all shipments, as the domestic hog industry continues to operate well below capacity amid ongoing ASF outbreaks.

The Philippines imported 872,274 metric tonnes of meat in the first half of 2026, up 12% from 778,100 tonnes in the same period last year, with pork accounting for more than half of total shipments at 455,381 tonnes - an 11% increase year on year, according to Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data.

Pork cuts registered the largest single import category at 204,183 tonnes, or 45% of total pork imports. Pork offals accounted for 131,378 tonnes, pork bellies 65,558 tonnes and pork fat 34,348 tonnes. The Philippines continues to rely heavily on imports to meet domestic pork demand, as the local hog industry remains far from full productivity following sustained African swine fever (ASF) losses.

Chicken imports expanded by nearly 14% to 291,497 tonnes from 255,844 tonnes a year earlier, with mechanically deboned meat (MDM) - a key ingredient in processed foods - accounting for 58% of chicken purchases at 170,053 tonnes. Beef imports rose more than 4% to 95,769 tonnes, driven largely by beef cuts at 62,141 tonnes or 65% of total.

Brazil was the Philippines' leading meat supplier in H1 2026, accounting for 429,691 tonnes or nearly half of total imported supply. The United States ranked second at 105,380 tonnes, followed by Australia at 47,629 tonnes, Canada at 37,833 tonnes and Denmark at 30,972 tonnes.

- Manila Bulletin