The Philippines reported over the weekend an 11 percent increase in meat imports over eight months this year reaching 907.77 million kilograms compared to year ago imports of only 817.35 million, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Pork continues to dominate imports comprising nearly half of the total or 450.36 million kilograms. Chicken followed with 302.03 million kilograms, accounting for 33.3 percent, while beef made up 13.8 percent or 125.02 million kilograms. Other imports include 28.8 million kilograms of buffalo meat, 964,657 kilograms of turkey, 540,534 kilograms of lamb, and 107,370 kilograms of duck.
Jess Cham, president emeritus of the Meat Importers and Traders Association, said the data suggests a robust supply chain ahead of the holiday season. “August’s figures reflect a steady influx of arrivals, which is promising for the upcoming Christmas period,” he recently told reporters.
But despite the influx, Cham said consumers may not see significant price reductions. “While importers are squeezed, lower prices may not be passed on to the consumers. Other links in the value chain may keep the gains, especially with the market traditionally anticipating higher prices in the last quarter,” he said.
Current prices, as reported by the Department of Agriculture’s Bantay Presyo unit in select Metro Manila markets, indicate that pork kasim sells from P270 to P370 per kilogram, pork liempo from P310 to P395 per kilogram, whole dressed chicken from P160 to P230 per kilogram, beef rump from P400 to P490 per kilogram, and beef brisket from P320 to P440 per kilogram.
As the Philippines gears up for the festive season, the influx of meat imports play a crucial role in stabilizing supply, but price dynamics remain a key concern for consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
