Philippines approves entry of fresh Brazilian beef after disease-free recognition
Imports now include bovine fat products under expanded trade access
PHILIPPINES – The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that Brazil can now send fresh and chilled beef to the Philippines under Department Order 9, which permits accredited Brazilian exporters to begin shipments following updated sanitary clearance.
The same order also allows the importation of bovine fat products into the country as part of the expanded access granted to Brazilian meat suppliers.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock had earlier requested expanded access for additional meat products, and Philippine authorities found the submitted documentation compliant.
The World Organisation for Animal Health declared Brazil free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination in May 2025 after confirming compliance with international veterinary standards.
The designation indicates that the country has eliminated active circulation of the disease and discontinued routine vaccination of cattle across its livestock sector.
International animal health authorities have said that disease-free status can facilitate wider trade in animal products and help governments allocate resources for veterinary control programmes.
Trade flow and market position
Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry shows that Brazil remains the Philippines’ largest source of imported meat, with shipments reaching 13,636.22 metric tons as of February 2026.
In 2025, Brazilian beef accounted for 44% of total beef imports, totalling 92,050.84 metric tons, according to government trade figures.
Shipments from Brazil include a mix of beef cuts and premium selections, according to import data from Philippine authorities.
Meat Importers and Traders Association officials said broader FMD-free recognition could open access to bone-in cuts and offal, while increasing sourcing flexibility for local importers.
Association representative Jesus Cham said additional supply options are beneficial for the domestic market, as they help stabilise beef product availability.
Philippine regulators noted that documentation submitted by Brazil’s agriculture ministry satisfied import requirements under existing sanitary and trade protocols.
The WOAH also stated that strong disease control frameworks support faster recovery of livestock trade and encourage international market access for exporters.
The policy change positions Brazil as a key supplier poised to expand beef exports to Southeast Asia, including the Philippine market, under updated health certifications.
Authorities expect trade volumes to adjust gradually as importers align sourcing strategies with the new approval framework.
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