PH meat imports jump amid disease concerns

The Philippines increased its meat imports by 33 percent as of the end of February, as traders ramped up purchases amid the continued spread of animal diseases affecting domestic production.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Based on the latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), meat purchases abroad from January to February grew to 237.68 million kilograms (kg) from 177.82 million kg during the same period last year.

Taking into consideration February alone, the month notched 99.68 million kg of total meat imports, a 27-percent decline from January’s 137.99 million kg.

The month’s figure, however, is a 16-percent hike from 85.80 million kg recorded in February of last year.

The two-month period’s growth in meat imports was driven by high purchases of pork, chicken, and beef.