Large US agricultural delegation to explore Philippines prospects

MANILA, Philippines — Over 50 American firms and groups will visit the country in mid-April for an agricultural trade mission as the United States seeks to seize export opportunities in the Philippines, its 10th largest market in the world.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said 58 American firms and industry groups would join the trade mission in Manila scheduled from April 13 to 16.

The trade mission aims to expand market access for American farmers, ranchers and producers, according to the USDA.

USDA said the mission follows a landmark trade agreement negotiated by President Donald Trump in July last year that opened new opportunities for US agricultural exports to the Philippines.

USDA deputy undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering will lead the delegation.

“USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” Bekkering said.

“Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect US exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive,” she added.

The USDA noted that the Philippines is the 10th largest market for US agricultural and food products, averaging $3.4 billion in annual exports over the past five years.

“With a population of 118 million, a rapidly expanding middle class, and strong consumer preference for US products, the Philippines offers enormous growth potential for American exporters,” the USDA said.

During the trade mission, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will host market briefings, site visits and business-to-business meetings with local buyers.

Agriculture state departments from Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin will join the trade mission, USDA said.

Some of the firms and trade associations that will come to the Philippines are American Egg Board, American Peanut Council, Best Buy Grocers Inc., MacDonald Meat, Potatoes USA, US Rice Producers Association, Tomex Foods Group and Wonderful Citrus.

USDA’s trade mission to the Philippines is part of its broader 2026 export promotion strategy that involves other agribusiness trade missions to Australia and Vietnam.

In 2025, USDA said its trade missions connected more than 200 American companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan and Mexico, generating projected sales of $125 million.