Poland initiates poultry export to the Philippines

POLAND – Poland has commenced its poultry exports to the Philippines, in a move to strengthen the bilateral trade relationship between the two nations.

The first shipment, comprising containers laden with poultry, has set sail for the Asian archipelago, with an optimistic outlook for increased deliveries in the forthcoming months.

However, the development comes as Polish farmers voice their concerns regarding safeguarding the domestic market against the influx of inexpensive imports.

The green signal for exports was granted as part of an agreement inked in 2023, giving hope among Polish businesses for the expansion of their market reach and the fortification of the poultry industry’s operational prowess in 2024 and beyond.

According to Goszczyński, a key industry insider, the decision to import from Poland was prompted by disruptions in poultry exports from major competitors like the United States, which grappled with bird flu-related limitations.

“We must remember that Brazil and the US are active in this market, so we have serious competitors out there. But the Philippines decided to reach out to Poland when the US had a big problem with bird flu and dramatically limited exports,” Goszczyński said.

“Despite facing stiff competition from established players such as Brazil and the US, Poland aims to capitalize on this opportunity.”

However, he disclosed that challenges persist on the home front, with concerns raised over the destabilizing impact of poultry imports from Ukraine on the European Union market.

Meanwhile, in a bid to expedite the accreditation process for Polish poultry exporters, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila has reiterated its plea to the Philippine authorities.

Chargé d’affaires Jarosław Szczepankiewicz highlighted the urgency of accrediting Polish producers, particularly those specializing in mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken, to meet the Philippines’ meat supply requirements.

However, he noted that bureaucratic hurdles have impeded progress, with the inspection of Polish poultry plants postponed for years, thereby thwarting the possibility of exports to the Philippines.

“Despite assurances of a forthcoming visit by Philippine inspectors, the timeline remains uncertain, leaving 31 Polish poultry meat exporters, including 18 MDM producers, in limbo.”

Meanwhile, the Philippines grapples with a shortage of raw materials, particularly chicken MDM, following the closure of borders to European suppliers in response to bird flu outbreaks.

This has therefore created the urgency for both parties to expedite the accreditation process and capitalize on the mutual benefits of bilateral trade.

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