2 weeks Ago By N/A (Dexter Barro II)
The Philippines increased its meat imports by 25 percent as of the end of February, as traders ramped up purchases amid the continued spread of animal diseases affecting domestic production. Based on the latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), meat purchases abroad from January to February grew to 237.68 million kilograms (kg) from 177.
82 million kg during the same period last year. Taking into consideration February alone, the month notched 99.68 million kg of total meat imports, a 27-percent decline from January’s 137.
99 million kg. The month’s figure, however, is a 16-percent hike from 85.80 million kg recorded in February of last year.
The two-month period’s growth in meat imports was driven by high purchases of pork, chicken, and beef. Pork accounted for more than half of the total volume, totaling 124.05 million kg, with a share of 52 percent.
Offals and pork cuts are the leading varieties, combining for a total of 88.93 million kg. Chicken followed suit, holding a share of 32.
53 percent, with a total volume of 77.31 million kg. Imports of mechanically deboned meat (DBM) or mechanically separated chicken (MSC), which are commonly used for processed foods, logged 42.
89 million kg during the January to February period. Meanwhile, beef has a share of 13.63 percent, with 32.
39 million kg. Beef cuts hold the biggest share with 21.15 million kg.
During the two-month period, Filipino traders also purchased 3.8 million kg of buffalo, 81,074 kg of lamb, 29,088 kg of turkey, and 18,544 kg of duck. Based on BAI data, Brazil is the top source of imported meat, covering a total volume of 101.
3 million kg. The United States (US), which recently imposed a reciprocal tariff of 17 percent on Philippine imports but later suspended it, was the next top supplier with 33.99 million kilograms.
Spain came third with 27.09 million kg of meat imports. These meat imports come as the Philippines continues its campaign against the spread of bird flu and African swine fever (ASF).
Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said last week that the number of ASF cases in the country slightly increased. Based on data published in BAI’s website, there are now 42 barangays with active ASF cases, encompassing 13 provinces in seven regions. Bird flu cases, meanwhile, had a slight uptick as it now covers 136 barangays across eight provinces in four regions.
The DA has so far allocated ₱151 million to fund its three-year national animal vaccination program. It recently inaugurated a vaccine facility in Nueva Ecija that aims to develop vaccines against bird flu, ASF, and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Based on DA data, the current swine population stands at approximately eight million, which is only 60 percent of the nearly 13 million heads before the first ASF outbreak in 2019.
Bird flu, on the other hand, has caused the culling of over 10 million chickens since its first outbreak in 2017. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) considers the Philippines to be FMD-free. The DA, however, remains on high alert as there are active FMD cases in nearby countries.
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