Argentina eyes poultry exports to the Philippines
Argentina seeks to boost its poultry exports to the Philippines, stepping in amid supply disruptions and rising demand.
Argentina is ready to boost its poultry and pork exports to the Philippines as the Southeast Asian nation strengthens its food supply amid global trade disruptions and challenges.
At a meeting between Argentinian firms and local importers on May 23, Argentine Ambassador to the Philippines Ricardo Luis Bocalandro highlighted Argentina’s readiness to support the Philippines meet its growing food requirements.
Following more than a decade of negotiations, the Philippines accredited Argentina for poultry and pork exports in November 2024.
Mr Bocalandro explained that Argentina views the Philippines as a strategic market, citing its strong economic performance, increasing purchasing power, and expanding population.
Opportunities opened
On May 19, the Philippine Department of Agriculture temporarily banned poultry imports from Brazil due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a key production region.
This shift has opened opportunities for alternative suppliers like Argentina, particularly for mechanically deboned meat (MDM), a key raw material for meat processors in the Philippines.
MDM accounts for more than half of the country’s chicken meat imports, of which most had come from Brazil.
While Argentina is not among the world’s top poultry exporters, its growing chicken meat production and export ambitions makes it a potentially viable supplier.
Currently, some 12 Argentinian companies are in the Philippines, exploring potential partnerships, including with the local meat processing sector.
