The Philippines is projected to increase chicken and beef production and imports in 2023 due to rising demand. However, pork output and shipments are expected to decline due to African swine fever (ASF) and increased prices. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), chicken meat production is forecasted to rise to 1.475 million metric tons (MT) in 2023 compared to 1.437 million MT in 2021.
Meanwhile, chicken imports are projected to increase to 520,000 MT from 497,000 MT. Per the USDA report, the Foreign Agriculture Service of Manila predicts an increase in chicken consumption for 2023, attributing it to population growth and the opportunities arising from the challenges posed by ASF in pigs and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in layers.
The USDA also anticipates an increase in the Philippines’ beef production to 185,000 MT this year, up from 183,000 MT last year, driven by efforts by commercial farms to boost output. Beef imports are projected to reach 260,000 MT, compared to 256,000 MT in 2022, reflecting growing demand. The USDA attributes this to the expanding economy and increasing population, which is expected to increase beef consumption.
On the other hand, pork production is expected to experience slower growth, with an estimated increase to 975,000 MT in 2023 from 925,000 MT in 2021. The USDA had initially projected pork output to reach one million MT this year. The decelerated production growth is attributed to recent outbreaks of ASF in Cebu City, a significant supplier to Metro Manila, and in Maguindanao del Sur, both located in the Southern part of the country.
(Source: Philippine Star)