Philippines to import more pork, chicken

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is expected to buy more pork and chicken from the global market as African swine fever (ASF) lingers in the country, affecting local production and supply.

In the latest monthly report of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is seen importing 280,000 metric tons of pork this year, 26 percent higher than last year’s 222,000 MT.

Domestic production will decline by 8.5 percent to 1.45 million MT from 1.585 million MT in 2019.

“Global production is forecast seven percent lower year-over-year, largely due to reduced output in China, Vietnam and Philippines, all countries affected by ASF,” the USDA said.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture reported that a total of 251,450 pigs were killed since the outbreak started in August 2019. But the industry is claiming that more hogs have been actually culled.

Consumption was also lowered by four percent to 1.729 million MT from 1.806 million MT as consumers shift to chicken meat.

The Philippines will also hike its chicken meat imports by one percent to 370,000 MT from last year’s 366,000 MT. Local production, which will only increase by 10 percent to 1.6 million MT, will not be able to meet additional domestic consumption of 1.89 million MT.

This year’s chicken meat import projection was lowered from the earlier 390,000 MT due to possible delays in shipments and supply disruptions from the spread of the coronavirus disease.

The industry has reported ample stocks of imported and local chicken in cold storage facilities due to some slowdown in demand related to COVID-19, particularly by the fast-food chains and quick service restaurants.

Meanwhile, global production will dip seven percent to 94.3 million MT on lowered expectations for China where the industry struggles to recover from ASF.

Worldwide consumption of pork will likewise go down by almost the same level although most major pork exporters will boost production due to a rising global import demand. Production is up robustly in the US and Brazil. The USDA noted that global pork exports could reach 10.47 million MT from the 9.33 million MT traded last year.

As for chicken meat, global production will increase 1.5 percent to reach 100.5 million MT and worldwide consumption will also rise at the same pace.

USDA said chicken meat demand is expected to be more resilient when faced with economic turmoil due to its position as a low-cost versatile animal protein culturally acceptable in virtually all markets.

It added that global chicken exports next year could reach 11.7 million MT.