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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.

FAS Manila forecasts MY 2024/25 milled rice production will increase to 12.125 million MT as the country emerges from the current El Nino and government spending on inputs and machinery contributes to increased yield.

Metropolitan Cebu offers strong opportunities for direct shipments of U.S. agricultural exports. As the largest domestic shipping port, Cebu serves as a distribution hub for agricultural exports to the Philippines. Located in one of the highest...

As one of the world’s fastest growing markets, the Philippines presents export opportunities for U.S. food and beverage products including dairy, poultry, pork, beef, processed and fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, food preparations, sauces, condiments, chocolate and cocoa products, chewing gum and candy, dog and cat food, and bakery products.

On December 22, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Executive Order No. 50 (EO 50) extending lower tariffs on pork, corn, and rice for another year or until December 31, 2024. EO 50 was published on December 26, 2023, and took effect immediately upon publication.

FAS Manila maintains its September 2023 forecast for rice and corn production and imports, but lowers its forecast slightly for wheat imports to 6.0 million metric tons.

The Philippines is expected to experience economic growth between 2025 and 2070, due to a shift in its demographics, necessitating a robust and efficient food distribution system.