The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a high-level trade mission to Manila from April 13 to 16, aiming to expand market access for American farmers, ranchers, and food producers in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
The delegation, headed by Deputy Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering, will include 58 US agribusinesses and trade associations, alongside representatives from the state agriculture departments of Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
The visit builds on a trade agreement negotiated under Donald Trump in July last year, which opened new avenues for US agricultural exports to the Philippines.
“USDA is committed to securing better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad for American agriculture,” Bekkering said, highlighting the Philippines as a strategic growth market. “It offers a vital platform to connect US exporters with reliable buyers, strengthen bilateral trade ties, and enhance global competitiveness.”
The Philippines ranks as the tenth-largest market for US agricultural and food products, with exports averaging USD3.4 billion annually over the past five years.
Home to about 118 million people, the country’s expanding middle class and strong preference for U.S. goods continue to drive demand.
During the mission, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, together with regional experts, will lead market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with key Philippine buyers, efforts aimed at deepening commercial partnerships and unlocking new growth opportunities for US agriculture.
