Philippines: Dairy and Products Annual
Producing less than one percent of its growing dairy requirement of 1.886 million metric tons (MMT) in 2014, the Philippines continues to be a major global importer of dairy products, especially milk powder. Despite the continued rapid expansion of the food processing industry, persistent high prices in 2014 are expected to result in total annual imports dropping to about 1.800 MMT (from 1.946 MMT in 2013). Major suppliers are New Zealand (39 percent), the United States (28 percent), and Australia (9 percent). U.S. dairy exports to the Philippines are forecast to reach a record $455 million in 2014, up from the 2013 record of $364 million. While milk powder exports dominate this category, there has also been strong growth in U.S. whey and buttermilk sales. Dairy products are the country’s third largest agricultural import after wheat and soybean meal.