British meat exports have received a significant boost following recent discussions between the UK and the Philippines. These negotiations successfully addressed and resolved trade barriers, allowing beef to return to the menu after a temporary import ban.
Further dialogues on March 17 in London, part of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), strengthened the UK’s partnership with the Philippines. This collaboration may potentially lead to increased sales, projected at £80 million over the next five years.
The Philippines had lifted its ban on imported poultry meat from the UK in September of last year, a move that the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) deemed pivotal for trade relations.
Before the ban, the UK ranked as the sixth-largest source of poultry imports into the Philippines, exporting an average of 6,000 tons each year from 2018 to 2023. Last year, these exports were valued at over £300,000.
Closer Cooperation
In this week’s meeting, Douglas Alexander, Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, along with Allan B. Gepty, the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary, agreed to enhance cooperation on key areas, including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and technology.
They also discussed strategies for collaboration between DEFRA and the Philippines Department of Agriculture, aimed at safeguarding and expanding market access for agri-food exporters.
Minister Alexander stated: “The lifting of bans on UK poultry and beef exports is great news for our world-class agricultural industry which can once again sell these products to the Philippines, which has a population of 112 million.”
“Today’s trade talks are an important new chapter and will deepen our trade with the Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, as we continue this Government’s mission to grow the economy.”
Continued Collaboration
Alexander and Gepty also committed to ongoing collaboration on vital issues such as animal disease detection and antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, they explored new opportunities in precision breeding and genetics.
The International Meat Trade Association (MTA) welcomed the JETCO as a crucial step towards deepening the trading relationship between the UK and the Philippines.
An MTA spokesperson remarked: “The poultry regionalisation agreement reached with the Philippines has been vital to keeping trade flowing. The Philippines is a key market for UK meat exports, with a variety of products setting sail for Manila.”
“We hope the trade partnership between our countries can continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Meanwhile, the Food and Drink Federation has called for a new strategic approach to EU trade as imports rise and exports struggle to match pre-COVID figures.
