The Philippines is one of the fast-growing economies in the region, with an estimated economic expansion of 6.0% in 2026 [1]. Although the country continues to experience a very changing context, it remains a market full of opportunities for European pork.
For next year, the Department of Agriculture aims to ensure stable and affordable pricing for meat commodities. The prices of pork produced in the country remain excessive for consumers, who this 2025 have been suffering from an inflationary economy.
One of the problems for the pork industry is feed prices. A report by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) compares feed prices in the Philippines with those in other regions in Asia. While Filipino farmers pay an average of 0.42 USD (0.36 EUR) per kilo for corn, Vietnamese and Thai farmers pay around 0.20 USD (0.17 EUR) [2].
Also, the late expansion of chicken meat production is making this protein more affordable in retail if compared to a tight pork supply still on its way back from ASF [3]. In April 2025 farmgate price of broiler chicken was below 150 PHP/kg (2.55 EUR), while prices of hog for slaughter were above 200 PHP/kg (3.40 EUR) [4].
Another issue is the allocation of MAV (minimum access volumes) for imported pork. Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Laurel Jr. recently expressed his concern about this policy that allows importers to purchase at a special tariff of 15% instead of the established 30% [5]. It’s expected that the ministry will fix 50% going to processors (usually working with imported MDM), a growing segment for meat exporters working with the Philippines. The processed meat market has a rising demand, mainly due to the recent development of fast-food chains and high-value pork products like ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals. It is expected to keep growing at a rate of 6.5% annually until 2028 [6].
As of November, domestic pork ham in supermarkets costs between 285 PHP and 390 PHP per kilo (4.76 EUR – 6.51 EUR), and pork belly is around PHP 320 and can go up to PHP 470 (5.34 EUR – 7.85 EUR). However, imported frozen belly or liempo costs between 290 PHP and 350 PHP (4.84 EUR – 5.85 EUR) [7].
Imported pork continues to play a key role in the Philippine meat market. USDA projects total imports in 2025 will reach 700,000 metric tons [8], with Brazil accounting for more than half of the total imports. Other top partners are the EU and Canada.
Imports are forecast 7% higher in 2026 [9]. Amid local challenges in the domestic industry, the constant increase in population is another of the main reasons attracting new players. Uruguay and Argentina, as well as the recent growth of the United Kingdom [10] (The Philippines is now the second largest market for the British outside Europe) confirm this trend. More markets are aiming to find a spot. The interest can also be explained due to the difficulties that some exporters are facing in China.
The EU offers excellent conditions and is very popular with Filipino importers. The specifications and quality are higher, as is the presentation; aesthetics are an important factor, and when the cuts are torn or slashed, they are frequently discarded. Also, cuts such as back fat skins or pork flower fat from Europe are ideal for the production of chicharong, a classic Filipino snack. Their main competitor of the EU, Brazil, doesn’t export flower fat as it is in high demand by the domestic market.
[1] DBCC JOINT STATEMENT: Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to 2028 – June 26, 2025 – Department of Economy, Planning, and Development
[2] https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/11/17/712789/phl-among-highest-cost-producers-of-pork-chicken-in-asia-pids-says/
[3] DownloadReportByFileName
[4] DownloadReportByFileName
[5] https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/11/26/2489819/new-guidelines-pork-imports-out-next-week
[6] Sector Trend Analysis – Meat trends in the Philippines – agriculture.canada.ca
[7] https://malaya.com.ph/business/business-news/da-to-revise-pork-import-tariff-policy-by-end-november/
[8] apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/Trade Data Monitor
[9] DownloadReportByFileName
[10]https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/11/23/2489131/uk-meat-exporters-eye-partnerships-philippines
