The United States (US) is targeting the expansion of its key agricultural exports to the Philippines as it launches a trade mission in Manila next month to unlock new agricultural opportunities.

In a statement, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Manila from April 13 to 16, in line with its efforts to widen market access for American agricultural products.

“USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Deputy Undersecretary Michelle Bekkering.

“Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect US exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive,” she added.

The Philippines is the tenth-largest market for American agricultural and food products, averaging around $3.4 billion annually over the past five years.

The US is the Philippines’ top supplier of food and beverage products, providing one-fifth of the country’s total import needs, the USDA said.

With its growing population of over 113 million and an expanding middle class, the USDA said this presents growth potential for American exporters to supply products that help meet strong consumer demand.

Among the top export opportunities are beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, deli and gourmet items, frozen and ready-to-eat meals, as well as fresh, frozen, and processed fruits and vegetables.

US exporters could also see potential growth in supplying infant food, cereals, confectionery and snack foods, seafood products, wine, beer, distilled spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, dog and cat food, ethanol, and convenience, organic, “free-from,” and “better-for-you” products.

The USDA said a total of 58 agribusinesses and trade associations based across the US will participate in next month’s trade mission, joined by government officials led by Bekkering.

“During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will host market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with buyers from the Philippines,” it said.

The USDA said its trade mission to the Philippines follows the “landmark trade agreement” announced by US President Donald Trump in July last year, which he said secured tariff-free access to the Philippine market.

The agreement, which reduced the Philippines’ tariff rate to 19 percent, remains in question after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. clarified that zero tariffs would apply only to certain American exports, including soy and wheat.

The upcoming mission also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US.

Last year, USDA trade missions to foreign markets connected more than 200 companies with buyers, generating about $125 million in immediate sales.

For the year, the USDA will also mount missions to Australia, Vietnam, Turkey, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia.