Philippine poultry imports increased at the start of 2026, with higher volumes of chicken and duck arriving compared to the same period last year. European suppliers are also expanding their presence, supported by new trade agreements and policy adjustments.
Chicken leads, duck up 20-fold
In January 2026, the country imported 49.7 million tons of chicken, alongside 388,776 tons of duck and 1282 tons of turkey. Compared to January 2025, poultry imports grew by 9% overall, with duck volumes skyrocketing more than twenty-fold.
Chicken remains dominant, accounting for over 90% of imports, while turkey shipments fell sharply.
Europe supply gains
Data from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data shows that European countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Poland supplied tens of millions of tons of poultry products in 2025, underscoring their significant role in the Philippine market.
Meanwhile the EU Poultry campaign, launched in 2025 to promote specific categories of European poultry, cited 67,300 tons of exports in last year, with Poland contributing 45,000 tons.
Taken together, the BAI statistics and campaign data highlight both the breadth of Europe’s supply and the focused promotional efforts that are helping EU exporters expand their presence in the Philippines.
Policy developments
Last February 14, the Department of Agriculture (DA) lifted its ban on Dutch poultry, adopting a regionalization policy that allows imports from disease-free zones. The Netherlands exported 76.12 million tons of meat to the Philippines in 2025, representing 4.6% of total imports. This move ensures continuity of supply despite avian influenza risks.
Earlier in 2026, the DA cleared imports from Illinois and Wisconsin while banning poultry from Kansas due to avian influenza. Similar agreements with France, Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Brazil reflect a broader shift toward science-based trade, balancing biosecurity with stable supply.
Horeca demand fuels rising volumes
With urbanization and the expansion of hotels, restaurants, and catering, demand for poultry continues to climb. USDA forecasts suggest Philippine poultry imports could reach 560,000 tons in 2026, cementing poultry as the most dynamic segment of the country’s meat import market.