Meat imports are rising in the Filipino market
Due to the animal protein deficit in the Filipino market, meat imports have risen by 44.30% in the first six months of 2021 totaling 581,827 tonnes at the end of June. Pork is leading the top, with 277,850 tonnes (+ 175%), followed by buffalo meat, 27,279 (100%), turkey meat 844 tonnes (25%).
There was a slight increase in beef imports - 83,347 tonnes (+0.7%) and a drop of 6% in chicken meat imports,192,132 tonnes, of which imports of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) accounted for 52.2% or 100,253.78 tonnes.
Lamb imports fell 75.6% to 319 tonnes while duck imports dropped 35.6% to 55 tonnes. Meat Importers and Traders Association President Jesus C. Cham believes that import figures are below what it could be in a normal market condition. “This is due to a steady, albeit delayed, influx of products, whereas consumers apparently are not spending as much. Especially now we have entered the third quarter — the traditional low season. Further, restaurants are a mixed bag as there are cautious re-openings together with permanent closures. On the other hand, strong buffalo and turkey import indicate the processors (are) searching for alternatives to chicken MDM,” Mr. Cham said for BWorld magazine.
Since May, the Philippines lowered the tariffs on pork imports for one year to keep prices under control.
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