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FAS Manila forecasts demand for dairy products to increase 3 percent in 2023, the same percentage of increase as 2022, with a total demand of 3 million metric tons (MT) in liquid milk equivalent (LME). The Philippines imports 99 percent of its dairy requirement, as domestic production cannot meet demand. Following demand increases, dairy imports will recover in 2023 as the economy improves, most of the population is vaccinated, and customers return to restaurants.

An overview of Basic and Prime Commodities as defined by the Price Act or "An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities and by prescribing measures against Undue Price Increases during Emergency Situations and Like Occasions" and tariff and value added tax rates applied to the various food and agricultural products.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) continue to collaborate on the Renewable Energy Program for the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector (REP AFS) to undertake programs aimed at boosting the country’s energy and food security.

The Philippines supplies only one percent of its total dairy requirement, which makes it a competitive market for imported dairy products. The United States and New Zealand are the top two suppliers, the U.S. being the leader. Post sees overall dairy imports recovering in 2022, as the economy reopens, most of the population becomes vaccinated, and business operations expand, all of which will accelerate dairy consumption.

FAS Manila adjusted marketing year (MY) 2023 raw sugar production down to 1.85 million metric tons (MT). The weather disturbances and low fertilizer application due to soaring fertilizer prices drastically affected sugarcane production in the Philippines.

FAS Manila revised MY 2022/23 milled rice production downward to 11.975 million MT both because of a 3 percent expected reduction in yields as soaring fertilizer prices result in significantly reduced application and because of the effects of Typhoon Noru (Local name: Karding).

With the further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, increased consumer mobility resulted in higher foot traffic in restaurants and hotels. Consumers have become more confident in dining in restaurants.

Following the signing of Republic Act (RA) 11524, February 26, 2021, then President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 172, Series of 2022, on June 2, 2022, approving the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. This paves the way for the use of the PHP75 billion ($1.4) fund to rehabilitate the coconut industry.

Post sees Philippine biofuels consumption partially recovering in 2022 due to economic growth, as fuel ethanol demand grows 13 percent to 660 million liters and biodiesel increases 31 percent to 250 million liters with the projected movement from B2 to B5 blend and the fuel pool increases as forecast. Ethanol production is almost flat with one percent growth to 360 million liters.

This report contains a table comparing the various validity periods and key conditions applicable to SPS Import Clearances (SPSIC) relevant to plant, animal, and fishery products under the oversight of the Philippines Department of Agriculture.

The convenience provided by deli shops combined with the popularity of online platforms facilitated increased home consumption of imported premium products, especially U.S. beef, during the pandemic. As the country rolls back pandemic mobility restrictions, deli stores supplying to individuals, restaurants, hotels, and events should experience continued sales increases, recovering to pre-pandemic level in 2023.

The easing of pandemic mobility restrictions and the recent national elections boosted food and beverage retail sales. Though the sector failed to sustain growth last year, key retail companies remain confident about growing the market in 2022.