Philippine corn market tightens as feed demand outpaces supply

The Philippine feed industry is facing a tightening corn supply amid steadily rising demand from the livestock sector. According to the latest USDA-FAS Grain and Feed Update, lower domestic production and higher input costs are reshaping the country’s feed grain balance.

Corn production in MY 2026/27 is forecast to decline to 8.1 million tonnes. The drop reflects reduced harvested area, higher fertilizer and production costs, and tighter irrigation water availability. Despite the decline, corn remains the backbone of the country’s feed industry.

At the same time, livestock production continues to expand. Broiler inventory reached 77.1 million birds in April 2026, while layer stocks climbed to 57.3 million, both higher year-on-year. Feed consumption is projected at 6.05 million tonnes, though African Swine Fever continues to weigh on hog demand. Poultry and aquaculture remain the main drivers of feed consumption growth.

Corn imports remain essential to fill the widening gap between domestic supply and demand. Imports are forecast at 2.3 million tonnes in MY 2026/27, slightly below earlier projections but still significant. Overall corn consumption is expected to exceed combined domestic output and imports, leading to further reductions in ending stocks.

Analysts note that expanding animal protein production will continue to support strong feed demand. Growth in poultry, pork, and aquaculture output is reinforcing structural consumption of corn and wheat, ensuring that imports remain a critical component of the Philippines’ grain supply balance.

Tags: Philippines, corn