October 23, 2025

Chile plans to export up to 8,000 metric tonnes of pork to the Philippines by 2026 as it works to strengthen its foothold in the local food market and enhance agricultural trade under the proposed Philippines–Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

ChilePork president Juan Carlos Domínguez announced the target during the culmination of a three-day Chilean trade mission to the Philippines, held on October 13 to 15. Domínguez noted that pork shipments to the Southeast Asian nation have steadily increased since the market opened in 2020.

"We started with about 300 metric tonnes in the first year, then 2,000, 5,000, and now 6,000 metric tonnes this year. For 2026, we hope to reach 8,000 metric tonnes," Domínguez said.

The ongoing CEPA negotiations, expected to conclude by the end of the year or early next year, are anticipated to further boost bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and opening wider market access for Chilean agricultural exports.

"Once CEPA is in place, it will not only benefit pork exports but also open opportunities for other Chilean agricultural goods, including fresh fruits, poultry, and processed food products. We believe the Philippines can become one of our most dynamic partners in Southeast Asia," said Dominguez.

The Philippines–Chile CEPA aims to deepen bilateral economic ties by covering trade in goods, services, investments and agricultural cooperation.

Domínguez said that while Chile cannot match major global suppliers such as the United States, Spain or Brazil in terms of output, it competes through quality, integration and traceability.

-      The Manila Standard