WORLD – The volume of meat imported into the country increased by 7.84% in the first seven months of the year, driven by rising demand for beef, chicken, and pork, according to data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). 

The total imports reached 757.3 million kilograms during this period.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel V. de Mesa attributed the rise in pork imports to concerns over a projected shortfall in local pork supplies due to the resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF).

As of September 20, ASF remained active in 125 municipalities across 31 provinces, according to the BAI.

“We expect higher imports compared to last year,” Mr. De Mesa stated.

In July, however, overall meat imports dipped slightly by 1.72% to 109.55 million kilograms.

Pork, which made up 49.25% of total imports, saw a 7.54% increase in shipments to 372.94 million kilograms from January to July. 

Spain led pork exports to the Philippines with 80.73 million kilograms, followed by Brazil with 71.96 million kilograms, and Canada with 46.75 million kilograms.

Chicken imports reached 255.38 million kilograms in the same period, marking a 2.41% increase and accounting for 33.72% of total meat imports. 

Brazil remained the largest supplier of chicken, providing 121.14 million kilograms, followed by the United States with 67.48 million kilograms and Australia with 9.17 million kilograms.

Beef imports surged by 30.9% to 101.69 million kilograms, making up 13.43% of total meat imports. 

Brazil was the top beef supplier, sending 30.52 million kilograms, while Australia supplied 24.2 million kilograms, and Ireland contributed 7.7 million kilograms.

Meanwhile, turkey imports more than doubled during the period, reaching 897,369 kilograms.

In contrast, imports of buffalo, duck, and lamb decreased. Buffalo meat imports fell by 8.7% to 25.89 million kilograms, while duck and lamb imports dropped by 51.32% and 17.33%, respectively, with duck at 97,270 kilograms and lamb at 401,066 kilograms.

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