The Philippines is poised for a slight increase in soybean meal imports, projected to reach 3.26 million metric tons by the 2026-2027 marketing year. This subtle but significant rise is fueled by a growing appetite for animal feed, particularly within the thriving poultry, aquaculture, and increasingly popular pet food sectors.
A recent analysis indicates this 0.2% increase builds upon the previous year’s 3.25 million metric tons, demonstrating a consistent demand despite ongoing challenges. While the nation grapples with the persistent threat of African Swine Fever, impacting the hog industry, the overall consumption of soybean meal remains surprisingly resilient.
Poultry and aquaculture are stepping up to fill the gap left by the struggling swine industry. These sectors are experiencing robust growth, directly translating into heightened demand for soybean meal as a crucial component of their feed formulations.
Feed usage of soybean meal is predicted to climb by 0.9% to 3.28 million metric tons in the coming year. This growth reflects a broader trend: increased demand for both commercially produced and custom-blended animal feeds across the country.
The higher soybean content in poultry and aquaculture feeds is a key driver of this demand. These industries consistently require feeds with a substantial proportion of soybean meal to support optimal growth and production.
Beyond animal feed, demand for soybeans themselves is also on the rise, with imports forecast to increase by 2.4% to 128,000 metric tons. This surge is directly linked to the expanding popularity of soybean-based food and beverage products.
From refreshing soy drinks to savory soy sauce and versatile tofu, Filipinos are increasingly incorporating soybeans into their diets. Sales of these soy-based products have shown a steady 0.3% annual growth between 2023 and 2025, and projections indicate an acceleration to 2% growth between 2025 and 2026.
Despite a growing domestic market, the Philippines will continue to depend heavily on imports for both soybeans and soybean meal. Limited local production and processing capabilities mean the nation relies on external sources to meet its escalating needs.
