Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley led a USDA trade mission to the Philippines from July 18 to 21. He was joined by representatives from 29 US agribusinesses and farm organizations and 10 state departments of agriculture, working together to strengthen trade relationships and further expand export opportunities.
Whitley and the delegation focused on the strong partnership between the United States and Philippines, especially during these times of uncertainty and high inflation. They also are seeking lower tariffs for food products, which would help ease the burden of inflation and allow for people to spend money in other sectors of the economy.
The young and fast-growing population of the Philippines provides the potential for a boost in exports. U.S. agricultural exports to the Philippines averaged $3.1 billion annually during the last five years. In 2021, U.S. farm exports to the country hit a record $3.5 billion, increasing from $3.2 billion a year earlier. Recently, USDA projected that the Philippines will purchase about $3.8 billion worth of American agricultural products this year, an increase of 8 percent.
Source: fas.usda.gov