Chile advances trade agreement with the Philippines to strengthen meat exports
In this context, the Food Export Council—which brings together organizations such as ChileCarne, Vinos de Chile, Exporlac, Frutas de Chile, ChileOliva, ChilePrunes, ChileNuts, SalmonChile, Sonapesca, ChileAlimentos, among others—participated in a meeting with the Undersecretary of Commerce of the Philippines, Allan Gepty, and the Chilean government's negotiating team, led by Pablo Urria, head of the Department of Asia and Oceania of the Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations (Subrei). The meeting provided an opportunity to learn about the progress made in the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Chilean products and consolidate Chile's position as a reliable, high-quality supplier in a market that is diversifying its sources of supply.
Along with these efforts, steps have been taken to expand Chile's export base, with audits recently confirmed by Philippine authorities that could allow for the authorization of new meat production plants and other pending facilities.
The Chilean food sector, represented by this council, is the country's second-largest export sector after mining, with shipments totaling USD 23.9 billion in 2024. This economic weight supports efforts to strengthen ties with markets such as the Philippines, where meat exports are showing an upward trend: in 2024 alone, Chile exported 5,000 tons of pork worth US$6 million, ranking as its 12th largest supplier; while in poultry, the Philippines consolidated its position as the 8th largest buyer, with 8,000 tons worth US$3 million, positioning Chile as its 9th largest supplier.
The Chilean meat sector is distinguished by its high standards of safety, traceability, and sustainability, attributes that strengthen its image as a strategic partner in demanding markets like the Philippines. Thanks to its dynamism and commitment to quality, Chile continues to expand its presence in Asia and consolidate its position as a reliable supplier in international markets.
Trade Agreement: Key to Competing and Growing
The Trade Agreement between Chile and the Philippines is emerging as an essential tool for boosting and diversifying national exports. The objective is to reduce or eliminate the tariffs that currently limit the competitiveness of Chilean products in this market, in addition to establishing preferential tariff conditions, simplifying customs processes, and strengthening sanitary standards. With these measures, exporters will be able to compete on a level playing field, fostering sustained export growth and more stable, long-term trade relations.
The Food Export Council, as a public-private collaboration platform, will continue to play a strategic role in helping Chile maintain and expand its position in the Philippines and other Asian markets.
The Philippines: a strategic market for the expansion of Chilean meat
The Philippines is projected to be a priority destination for the Chilean export sector, especially for pork and chicken. This archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, located between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is home to more than 110 million people, a growing economy, and a high dependence on imported food to supply its domestic market.
Pork is the most consumed animal protein in the country, representing nearly 60% of total consumption, with an average of between 12 and 18 kilos per person per year. It is followed by chicken, whose demand has also been increasing, driven by changes in consumption habits and the growth of the middle class.
The combination of an expanding population, a growing demand for quality protein, and the need to diversify supply sources makes the Philippines a market with high potential for Chilean exporters. In addition to its strategic location in Southeast Asia, its openness to trade agreements and the growing appreciation for food safety and traceability reinforce its appeal as a destination for Chilean meat.
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