TAIWANESE industry groups see strong potential to tap into the Philippine restaurant and processed-food sectors. However, they expect that higher prices and supply constraints will limit Taiwanese pork shipments over the next few years.
“The Philippine market is sizable, but consumers prioritize price and supply,” said Jennifer Chang, vice president of Taiwan-based Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI).
Chang noted that Taiwanese pork will likely carve out a small market share in the Philippines as it is relatively expensive and in limited supply for export.
“For larger volumes of frozen or chilled pork, I do not expect this to happen quickly. In my view, companies will face limited prospects in the short term, including over the next three years,” Chang said.
“Taiwanese restaurants have considerable potential to serve popular dishes like sausages and noodles. They can also capitalize on the popularity of other Taiwanese favorites, such as bubble tea,” she said.
After securing the green light to export pork to the Philippines, Chang said they are working to forge commercial relationships between Philippine and Taiwanese entities to supply pork products to the archipelago.
“Our current focus is on cooperation between private businesses,” she added. “CDRI’s role is to help businesses bring quality Taiwanese pork products to the Philippine market.”
Beyond pork, Chang said Taiwanese enterprises are exploring investment opportunities in other sectors.
“I believe the Philippines is a market worth investing in. It has continued to improve over the years and has great potential,” Chang said.
Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that Taiwan exported 23,342 kilograms of pork to the country in 2025, a 94.6 percent plunge from 429,079 kg the previous year.
In April, the Department of Agriculture lifted the temporary ban on domestic and wild pigs and their products and by-products, including pork meat, pig skin, and semen. This was because Taiwan became free of African Swine Fever. (Jordeene B. Lagare © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
