As the Philippines intensifies efforts to contain African Swine Fever (ASF), global pork supply chains are adjusting, and Belgian exporters are positioning themselves as a dependable alternative source for the local market.
Stricter import protocols and tighter domestic controls have pushed Filipino importers to focus on consistency, origin transparency, and certified food safety. According to the Belgian Meat Office (BMO), these priorities play to Belgium’s long-established strengths as a pork exporter.
Belgium ranks among the world’s top 10 pork-exporting countries. In 2024, it shipped 690,628 tons of pork to more than 70 markets worldwide, including the Philippines. Demand in the country remains firm for safe, traceable, and premium pork products, even as ASF-related supply constraints continue to challenge both producers and traders.
BMO said Belgium’s strong food safety framework aligns closely with the expectations of Filipino consumers and food businesses, especially as oversight of imported meat products becomes more rigorous. Belgian pork exporters operate under strict European Union regulations, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a stable and trustworthy supply partner.
Luc Verspreet, former president of the Belgian meat federation FEBEV, said efficiency is the industry’s main competitive advantage. This focus on efficiency allows Belgian producers to achieve one of the most competitive cost-per-kilo ratios in Europe, an important factor as importers balance safety with affordability.
“Belgian meat suppliers offer tailored services worldwide,” said Joris Coenen, manager of BMO. “They build sustainable collaborations by understanding customer needs and delivering flexible, efficient solutions aligned with business requirements.”
From January to September this year, Belgium exported 20.24 million kilograms of pork to the Philippines. This accounted for about 3 percent of the country’s total pork imports of 632 million kilograms during the same period, with room for further growth as ASF reshapes sourcing strategies.
