US agricultural exports to PHL drop in 2025

THE US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said farm exports to the Philippines fell 2% in 2025 due to lower wheat prices.

Despite the drop, the Philippines remains among the leading markets for US produce, and was ranked the 11^th largest destination for US produce.

Soybean meal was the top US agricultural export to the Philippines amounting to $1 billion, followed by wheat ($630 million), dairy products ($366 million), poultry ($251 million), ethanol ($192 million), pork ($133 million), beef ($127 million), and processed vegetables ($90 million).

Poultry, ethanol, livestock, and other meat exports to the Philippines were at record levels, it said.

The USDA cited the Philippines’ high level of urbanization, growing population of young workers, and a strong preference for American products and brands as factors behind the strong demand for US food and beverage exports despite logistical challenges and high distribution costs.

“As the top Southeast Asian destination for US consumer-oriented agricultural products, the market provides a strong demand for fruit and vegetable juices, beef and pork products, tree nuts, fresh vegetables and fruits, poultry meat and products, wine and related products, condiments and sauces, dairy products, and processed vegetables products,” the USDA said. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza