Philippines to import more pork, beef in 2026—USDA
Published Sep 23, 2025 11:12 am
The Philippines is anticipated to increase its imports of pork and beef next year as demand continues to outpace domestic production, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Based on the annual livestock and products report of the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), dated Sept. 19, the country’s pork output is expected to reach 980,000 metric tons (MT) in 2026, two-percent higher than the estimated 960,000 MT for this year.
The foreign agency said the surge in imports will be anchored on the expanded coverage of the vaccine against African swine fever (ASF).
Last year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the government-led rollout of Vietnam-made AVAC vaccine, with an initial focus on small farms before expanding into commercial farms.
The commercial rollout of the vaccine is expected to take place before the end of the year.
The wider coverage of the vaccine, combined with heightened biosecurity measures and adoption of better swine genetics among commercial farms, is seen boosting the country’s swine population.
The USDA also anticipates lower feed costs—particularly for local corn and imported soybean meal—to provide cost relief and enhance profitability, enticing farmers to raise more hogs.
Despite an increase in local output, pork imports are expected to grow seven percent to 750,000 MT next year from the 2025 estimate of 700,000 MT.
Apart from production setbacks due to ASF, the USDA said the country’s growing population will fuel demand for procuring more pork abroad.
The projected increase in imports was primarily attributed to Brazil’s wider access to the Philippine market after the South American country secured system accreditation to export pork, beef, and poultry meat into the country last year.
Before the accreditation, only specific Brazilian meat companies were authorized to export certain commodities to the Philippines.
According to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the Philippines imported 250.97 million kilograms (kg) of pork from January to April. Brazil was the top exporter over the four-month period, accounting for 91.2 million kg.
Brazil’s pork prices, which are lower than other trading partners, will likely increase its pork shipments to the Philippines, according to the USDA.
“Industry contacts within the domestic food processing sector have acknowledged that Brazil’s pricing advantage will continue to drive demand for its pork products,” the report read.
In terms of consumption, the USDA expects pork meat demand next year to reach 1.73 million MT, supported by the sustained increase in population and economic growth.
Higher beef imports
The USDA also projects Philippine beef imports to expand by three percent to 300,000 MT next year, from 290,000 MT this year.
The foreign agency said the higher import demand is caused by the shortfall in domestic beef production amid increasing demand from households, food processors, and the food service sector.
“The increase is also supported by wider market sources for beef products, with Brazil, Australia, and India shown to remain strong players in the domestic market,” the report read.
The surge in beef imports next year will be driven by India, following the accreditation of 34 Indian exporters to supply carabao meat, or carabeef, in December last year.
BAI data showed that the Philippines imported 56.33 million kg during the first four months of the year, with India so far exporting over 350,000 kg.
The USDA expects next year’s local beef and carabeef production to remain unchanged from its 2025 estimate, at 182,000 MT.
The foreign agency said domestic output continues to face constraints due to limited land suitable for cattle raising.
“Industry contacts note that the conversion of agricultural land for residential and commercial use poses a threat to the local cattle industry,” it said.
Consumption of the commodity next year is forecasted to go up two percent to 481,000 MT from 471,000 MT this year. Similar to pork, the USDA said economic and population growth will continue to drive consumption of processed meat and imported beef in the country.