Browse Data and Analysis

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.

Cotton production in Australia is set for a fourth successive year of high production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25, forecast at 5.5 million bales, which would be the third largest crop. The prospect of average rainfalls over the winter/spring period if realized would establish improved irrigation water availability for growers.

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.

Australian beef supply is forecast to climb after the herd rebuild period ends. The marked slowdown in the growth of the national herd is expected to drive a higher female slaughter rate, increase the overall supply of cattle for slaughter, and boost live cattle and beef exports in 2024.

Australia’s food, beverage, and grocery sectors, contribute to a third of all business activity in the manufacturing landscape.

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...

El Niño conditions for Australia remain present, but this has been pushed aside in late spring and early summer after the eastern states received above-average rainfalls. This situation has prompted a rise in the sorghum production forecast for MY 2023/24 to 1.8 million metric tons (MMT), and the rice production forecast remains strong at 522,000 metric tons (MT) with the support of ample irrigation water.

Australia is a crucial market for U.S. fresh fruits because of the year-round demand for high-quality products. The U.S. has benefitted from a well-established reputation for producing quality and safe fruits.

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.

Early seasonal conditions for the MY 2023/24 citrus crop have been favorable, and producers expect to benefit from an easing of fertilizer and crop protection chemical costs, along with a further easing of labor constraints. Orange production is expected to increase five percent to 530,000 metric tons (MT) from the prior’s year estimate, the second highest over the last two decades.