Philippines halts Brazilian chicken imports due to bird flu

The Philippines will face a one- to two-week supply gap in imported frozen chicken as it halts poultry imports from Brazil due to bird flu.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed during a press conference that the ban is necessary because the Philippines and Brazil do not have a regionalization agreement, meaning the entire country must be covered by the ban.

Laurel assured that local poultry production can meet demand with minimal price increases from alternative suppliers, though these sources will be more expensive than Brazilian imports.

Brazil's bird flu outbreak in a commercial farm has caused global concern as Brazil accounts for 35% of global trade in poultry.

To address the supply gap, importers may shift to other countries like Belgium, Canada, Chile, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States with minimal price adjustments.

The Department of Agriculture warns that bird flu poses a significant threat to poultry and advises caution to prevent its spread while ensuring local products remain safe for consumption.