The Philippines imported more than 1.3 million metric tons (MMT) of meat from January to November last year — reflecting the country’s growing reliance on international suppliers to meet domestic demand.

The latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), showed that the figure surpassed the total meat imports of 1.2 MMT in 2023.

Agriculture Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa confirmed on Wednesday the rise in meat importation, noting that the 2024 volume is nearing the record-high import of 1.36 MMT in 2022.

According to de Mesa, the increase in imports covers all types of meat except for duck, lamb, and buffalo.

The Philippines sourced most of its imported meat from Brazil, the United States, and Spain. Brazil emerged as the top supplier of pork, which remains the most imported type of meat.

De Mesa attributed the surge in pork imports to the ongoing challenges caused by African swine fever (ASF), which continues to disrupt local production, coupled with strong consumer demand during the last two quarters of the previous year.

In 2023, the country imported 591,000 metric tons of pork, which rose significantly to 672,000 metric tons in 2024, an increase of nearly 80,000 metric tons. Brazil was the leading source of imported pork, contributing 185,000 metric tons.

Chicken imports followed pork, with a total volume of 435,501 metric tons, as it remains a key protein source in the local diet. Beef imports reached 187,711 metric tons, while buffalo meat accounted for 35,219 metric tons.

Turkey, lamb, and duck imports were much smaller, with volumes of 1,272 metric tons, 613 metric tons, and 208 metric tons, respectively.