Philippines seen increasing wheat imports

The Philippines, which does not produce wheat domestically, is expected to increase its wheat imports amid growing demand from the animal feed sector and food manufacturers producing wheat-based products such as bread and noodles. This was reported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila (USDA-FAS Manila).

According to the agency, wheat imports in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 are projected to rise by 16.5% to 7.4 million tonnes, up from 6.35 million tonnes in the previous season. The forecast was revised upward due to stronger purchases of both feed wheat and food wheat.

Trade data for July–October 2025 indicate sustained demand from feed millers and the food industry. During this period, feed wheat accounted for 52% of total imports, food wheat for 45%, and other wheat products for about 3%.

USDA-FAS Manila noted that the market share of feed wheat expanded relative to food wheat due to declining import prices for feed wheat amid elevated corn prices between February and August 2025. This shift reflects increased use of wheat as a substitute for corn in animal feed rather than a decline in demand for food wheat.

Further growth in feed wheat imports is supported by the gradual recovery of the swine industry and more favorable feed wheat prices compared with corn. However, the agency cautioned that a potential decline in corn prices could temper this trend, as relative pricing remains the key factor influencing wheat’s use in feed rations.

Tags: Philippines, wheat, imports