Philippines, US finalizing deal for pineapple exports

MANILA, Philippines — The country may soon boost its pineapple exports to the United States as officials from both countries move closer to finalizing an agreement that would open all US ports to the Philippines’ fresh pineapples, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

BPI director Gerald Glenn Panganiban told reporters that an agreement may soon be finalized once US authorities complete taking comments from stakeholders, providing the country with wider market access for farm products.

“They said that there are no further comments from stakeholders, then all ports will now be opened. The talks are still ongoing,” Panganiban said following the agency’s latest meeting with the US Federal Register.

In a notice dated June 5, the US Federal Register issued a call for comment from stallholders until Aug. 10, 2026.

The BPI earlier requested the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to allow fresh pineapples from the Philippines to enter all US ports.

Most of the country’s fresh pineapple exports must arrive within ports in the North Atlantic, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The restrictions were implemented to prevent the entry of pests and protect the US’ agricultural sector. 

The US agency noted that it has prepared pest risk analysis to evaluate the plant pest and noxious weed risks associated with the importation of fresh pineapples from the Philippines.

It also issued a risk management document that proposes potential mitigation to address the risks.

Panganiban said that the agency is hopeful that an agreement could be completed by the end of the year, as the country expands market access for Philippine pineapples.