Browse Data and Analysis

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to further streamline administrative procedures and policies on the importation of agricultural products and remove non-tariff barriers to help ensure food security.

Fueled by a strong snacking culture, the Philippines' $2.6 billion snack food market presents a prime opportunity for U.S. exporters. While imports currently occupy only 15 percent of shelf space, U.S. products account for more than 20 percent of that share.

FAS Manila forecasts marketing year (MY) 2025 raw sugar production of 1.85 million metric tons (MT). With high prices, more farmers have planted sugarcane, but some farms with no irrigation are suffering from the ongoing El Niño, which stunted sugarcane growth and could result in lower yields in MY 2025.

FAS Manila forecasts MY 2024/25 soybean meal imports to reach 3.2 million metric tons (MMT), an increase of 4 percent attributed to the growing feed demand for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. The projected 3 percent growth in soybean meal equivalent (SME) consumption coincides with the forecasted 3 percent increase in livestock production during the same period.

On February 15, 2024, the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Management Committee issued an Administrative Circular (AC) that increased the annual MAV or Tariff Rate Quota for chipping potatoes from 30,000 to 60,000 metric tons (MT).

As the Philippines’ economic growth outpaces its neighboring countries, the market presents stronger opportunities this year for U.S. food and beverage ingredients, including wheat, dairy products, poultry, pork, beef, starch products, processed and dried fruits, food preparations, and soy.

Executive Order #171, Series of 2022, modifies market access for MFN tariffs on corn and rice through December 31, 2021, necessitating changes to Post’s corn and wheat balance sheets but not rice.

FAS Manila maintains 2022 pork production while increasing imports 25,000 MT to 400,000 MT, reflecting improved market access conditions. No changes are made to the chicken PSD.

The Philippines is the eighth largest market for U.S. agricultural exports and the top market in Southeast Asia. Already a longstanding and reliable trading partner, the Philippines continues to offer many opportunities for exporters because of its young and growing population and rising household income.