Philippines seafood exporters book $514 million orders in Spain expo

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MANILA, Philippines —  Philippine seafood exporters generated $514.8 million, or P31.68 billion, in sales from their participation in a seafood expo in Spain, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agriculture Undersecretary Drusila Esther Bayate said the participating seafood companies booked sales amounting to $450.6 million, while negotiated agreements reached $64.17 million.

She added that export sales were not only due to strong demand but also to “the dedication of our exporters and the importance of government support in navigating international regulations and positioning Philippine seafood competitively.”

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that markets for the country’s seafood products could grow through better standards and marketing.

The Philippines sent a delegation of DA officials along with 12 participating firms to the 32nd Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Spain.

Participants were offered guidance on market opportunities, product positioning, and compliance with European standards.

The DA added that buyers from more than 10 countries visited the Philippine pavilion where seafood companies showcased their high-value products, including fresh and processed seafood and highlighted sustainability practices and technological innovations.

The expo also featured advances in aquaculture, including artificial intelligence-assisted fish processing and sustainable aquafeeds.

“With over 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, the Philippines’ strong presence underscored the country’s competitiveness and growing reputation as a reliable seafood supplier,” the DA said.

The agency added that feedback from exhibitors indicated future participation in other events, with participants signaling the need for better government support in regulatory compliance, technical assistance and logistics.

The DA said that the Philippines’ performance demonstrates the need for the country to scale up domestic production for global markets.