Brazil Eyes Steady Beef Exports to PH Amid Rising Demand

Brazilian beef exports to the Philippines are projected to reach 80,000 to 96,000 metric tons this year, matching 2025 levels, according to the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec). At the sidelines of Wofex Manila, the group cited economic growth, stronger purchasing power, and rising beef consumption among younger consumers as key drivers for the export expansion. "The young people consume more beef," ABIEC Strategic Affairs Director Julio Ramos told reporters, adding that consumers have greater purchasing power. Ramos also highlighted that Brazilian beef remains competitively priced against other major global suppliers. Beef exports to the Philippines have surged significantly, from 1,400 metric tons in 1997 to 96,200 metric tons in 2025. In the first half of this year, Brazil shipped 35,878 metric tons to the Philippines, marking a 34.6 percent year-on-year increase. The export value climbed 38.9 percent to $162.4 million, positioning the Philippines among Brazil's top 10 beef export markets. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) sees opportunities for further market development beyond Metro Manila. "There are still some opportunities for us to develop the market better and for the companies to be closer to importers," ABPA Markets Manager Gabriel Morelli Ribeiro said. He noted potential to reach different cities across the country, not solely concentrated in the capital. Ribeiro also stated that the conflict in the Middle East has not significantly disrupted shipments, with oil price hikes not yet prohibiting transport. "The costs are not increasing that much in that region, because the prices of oil, of course, went up. But they are not as high as it could be," he added. The group reported that pork and chicken exports to the Philippines also saw substantial growth, rising approximately 30 percent and 15 percent, respectively, this year. Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry shows that meat imports rose 12.1 percent to 872.27 million kilograms in the first half. Brazil accounted for 52.2 percent of the country's total meat imports.