Phl to import more beef, pork next year—USDA

(FILE PHOTO) A meat vendor chops a pork belly upon order on 18 August, 2024. The spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Philippines has led to panic among hog raisers, prompting some to sell infected pigs to traders, further worsening the situation. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has intercepted several trucks carrying pigs from ASF-hit areas, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) suspects that these traders are a major source of the virus's spread. The government is set to start vaccinating pigs soon to control the outbreak, though concerns remain about the limited availability and effectiveness of vaccines. If the situation deteriorates, the government may consider importing pigs to address potential shortages. YUMMIE DINGDING

Published on:

22 Aug 2024, 04:13

The latest report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts an increase in beef and pork imports for the Philippines next year.

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Manila estimates that beef imports, including carabeef (carabao beef), and pork will reach 226,000 and 510,000 metric tons (MT) of carcass weight equivalent (CWE), respectively.

The increase in beef imports is attributed to continued economic growth exceeding six percent and strong consumer purchasing power, driven by the projected population increase.

“Also supporting increased imports in 2025 are the recent downward trend in the export prices of the Philippines’ major export suppliers, specifically Australia and Brazil, and expanded market access provided to Brazil through Department Order (DO) 3,” the USDA report stated.

However, beef production, including carabeef, is expected to remain "relatively stagnant" due to "flat cattle and carabao inventories."

Pork production is estimated to rebound to 1.06 million MT CWE. However, FAS Manila noted that output will remain below pre-African Swine Fever (ASF) levels through 2025.

Positive cases of ASF in the country are expected to limit herd rebuilding and pork production for the rest of this year and into early next year.

As for costs, beef and pork prices are expected to continue rising next year due to stronger local demand.

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