USDA: PH set to increase dairy purchases
The Philippines is projected to increase its overseas dairy purchases this year and next as demand for this commodity continues to grow with a rising population.
In its Dairy and Products Annual report, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service estimated the country would import 3.05 million metric tons in liquid milk equivalent (MT LME) in 2024 from 2.9 million MT LME last year.
The statistics agency said the volume of dairy imports is expected to inch up by 1.6 percent to 3.1 million MT LME next year.
The USDA said local milk consumption would reach almost 3 million MT LME this year, slightly rising to 3.04 million MT LME in 2025, with bulk of demand to be met through imports.
“Growth is attributed to the expanding middle class and a growing population,” the report said. “Rising consumption is also supported by infrastructure investments, particularly in cold chain facilities, supermarkets, and display areas.”
The Philippines has been heavily dependent on importation for years as domestic production can only meet 1 percent of its dairy requirements.
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) earlier said it was hoping to reach 2 percent milk self-sufficiency next year, eventually increasing the percentage to 5 percent by 2028.
As of June this year, the self-sufficiency level for milk had reached 1.56 percent.
The USDA said ready-to-drink milk imports would remain flat at 118,000 MT in 2025 because of an anticipated improvement in local supply.
Cheese shipments would also be unchanged at 42,000 MT on the back of high prices and tight supply.
