Brazil bets on more beef exports to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Brazil, one of the top suppliers of beef in the Philippines, is betting on the country’s rising urban population and growing incomes to drive the expansion of its beef exports, an industry group said.

According to the Associação Brasileira das Indústrias Exportadoras de Carnes or Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) data, the Philippines has brought in 29,400 metric tons (MT) of Brazilian beef from January to May, valued at $130.8 million.

The group also noted that the volume of Brazilian beef imports to the country has been steadily rising from 39,700 MT in 2020 to 96,200 MT in 2025.

ABIEC Strategic Affairs director Julio Ramos told The STAR that this reflects the growing demand of the Philippines for Brazilian beef, due to the growing younger population, increasing urbanization, expansion of the food service sector and rising incomes.

“The outlook is very positive. The Philippines is already among the top 10 destinations for Brazilian beef and represents one of the most dynamic markets in Asia for the sector,” he added.

The ABIEC noted that beef consumption is expected to grow by an average of 4.4 percent annually by 2029, while the food service sector is projected to expand by more than 11 percent due to urbanization, rising incomes and tourism growth.

“These factors help sustain demand and reinforce the importance of maintaining stable and efficient supply chains between our countries,” Ramos added.

Ramos said Brazilian beef supports the demands of different segments of the Philippine market, from industry needs to retail and food services.

“Brazil’s main advantage is its ability to complement the Philippines’ protein supply with regular, safe and competitive deliveries,” he added.

He stressed the importance of strengthening the collaboration among companies, importers and government authorities from both countries to improve trade potential.

He added that the Brazilian embassy and the Agricultural Attaché Office have been key to improving ties between Manila and Brasilia’s private sectors by conducting technical dialogue and expanding business opportunities.

Ramos said both countries have built a long-term partnership that is focused on food security, economic development and meeting the growing demand of Filipino consumers.

Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, is among the country’s major sources for imported beef, supplying around 46 percent of the Philippines’ beef. Manila imports about 60 percent of its beef demand.

The Philippines has imported 65,157 MT of beef as of April 2026, according to data from the Bureau of Plant Industry.