Browse Data and Analysis

FAS Manila forecasts demand for dairy products to increase 3 percent in 2023, the same percentage of increase as 2022, with a total demand of 3 million metric tons (MT) in liquid milk equivalent (LME). The Philippines imports 99 percent of its dairy requirement, as domestic production cannot meet demand. Following demand increases, dairy imports will recover in 2023 as the economy improves, most of the population is vaccinated, and customers return to restaurants.

An overview of Basic and Prime Commodities as defined by the Price Act or "An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities and by prescribing measures against Undue Price Increases during Emergency Situations and Like Occasions" and tariff and value added tax rates applied to the various food and agricultural products.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) continue to collaborate on the Renewable Energy Program for the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector (REP AFS) to undertake programs aimed at boosting the country’s energy and food security.

The Philippines supplies only one percent of its total dairy requirement, which makes it a competitive market for imported dairy products. The United States and New Zealand are the top two suppliers, the U.S. being the leader. Post sees overall dairy imports recovering in 2022, as the economy reopens, most of the population becomes vaccinated, and business operations expand, all of which will accelerate dairy consumption.

FAS Manila adjusted marketing year (MY) 2023 raw sugar production down to 1.85 million metric tons (MT). The weather disturbances and low fertilizer application due to soaring fertilizer prices drastically affected sugarcane production in the Philippines.

FAS Manila revised MY 2022/23 milled rice production downward to 11.975 million MT both because of a 3 percent expected reduction in yields as soaring fertilizer prices result in significantly reduced application and because of the effects of Typhoon Noru (Local name: Karding).

With the further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, increased consumer mobility resulted in higher foot traffic in restaurants and hotels. Consumers have become more confident in dining in restaurants.

On May 19, 2020, the Philippines formally granted market access to U.S. bovine embryos, leveling the playing field for U.S. exporters vis-à-vis the competition in Australia and Canada.

Republic Act No. 11467 increased the excise tax imposed on alcohol products effective on January 1, 2020.

Hemp, marijuana, and cannabis from the plant Cannabis sativa L. are terms interchangeably used in the Philippines.

On May 24, 2020, the Philippines will formally open its market to U.S. fresh highbush blueberries.