US gears up for agricultural trade mission to Philippines

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December 31, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The US is gearing up for an agricultural trade mission to the Philippines next year, as Washington seeks to expand its share in the country’s growing food market.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it is now accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Manila slated on April 13 to 16, 2026.

USDA is encouraging American exporters to join the trade mission to explore business opportunities in the Philippines’ “thriving” market and “rapidly” growing economy. Interested applicants must apply by Jan. 9, 2026.

“US agricultural exporters have an abundance of new opportunities in the Philippines, thanks to President Trump’s recent trade agreement,” said Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Undersecretary Luke Lindberg.

“This trade mission will connect US producers with key buyers in the Philippines, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive,” he added.

USDA’s agribusiness trade mission to the Philippines is timely as 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“This significant anniversary year offers a unique opportunity to strengthen ties in the agricultural sector and expand exports for US farmers, ranchers and producers,” USDA said.

The Philippines is the ninth largest export market for US agricultural and food exports averaging $3.6 billion annually during the last five years, according to USDA.

USDA noted that the Philippines is among the top 20 most populous countries in the world with 118 million people, offering a huge opportunity for American food producers to supply the nation’s growing food requirement.

“The Philippines offers US agribusinesses tremendous export potential thanks to its young and fast-growing population, strong consumer preference for US foods and beverages, and robust service-based economy,” USDA said.

USDA said the US is the Philippines’ top supplier of food and beverage products, providing one-fifth of the country’s total import needs.

Some of the food products that present strong export opportunities for US food businesses are beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, deli and gourmet products, frozen and ready-to-eat meals, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, processed fruit and vegetable products, infant food, cereals and other breakfast items.

There is also growing demand in the country for convenience, organic, “free-from” and “better-for-you” products, confectionery and snack foods, seafood products, wines, beer, distilled spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, dog and cat food, and ethanol, according to USDA.

“While in Manila, participants will conduct business-to-business meetings with potential importers, receive in-depth market briefings from FAS and industry trade experts, participate in site visits and attend other networking opportunities,” USDA said.

USDA’s trade mission to the Philippines is part of its broader 2026 export promotion strategy that involves other agribusiness trade missions to Türkiye, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.