Philippines Resumes Poultry Imports from Iowa and Minnesota

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially ended its temporary prohibition on poultry imports from Iowa and Minnesota, USA. This decision, effective immediately, was announced by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., signaling a significant shift in trade policy following the avian influenza outbreak in these states.

Previously, the Philippines had enforced a ban on importing domestic and wild birds, along with related products like day-old chicks and hatching eggs from Iowa and Minnesota, in response to the bird flu incidents. The lift of this ban comes after the US veterinary authorities reported to the World Organization of Animal Health that the affected areas in both states have been clear of the highly pathogenic avian influenza since January 10, 2024.

The United States, a key supplier of poultry meat and products to the Philippines, had significant trade impacts due to the ban. In 2023, the US exported $180.5 million worth of poultry products to the Philippines, not including eggs. This move to reopen the market to these states is anticipated to reinvigorate trade flows and supply chains between the two countries.