Stable corn production in the Philippines is not keeping up with growing demand

Corn production in the Philippines in the 2026/27 marketing year (MY) will remain virtually flat at 8.28 million tonnes, up only 0.1% year-on-year. Cultivated area will remain at 2.48 million hectares, the same as the previous year, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Total corn consumption is forecast at 10.25 million tonnes, up 1% year-on-year, driven by robust demand from both feed and food applications. Feed and other uses will increase by 0.9% to 5.80 million tonnes, while food, seed, and industrial use will grow by 1.1% to 4.45 million tonnes.

Corn imports are estimated to reach 2 million tonnes, an increase of 2.6% year-on-year, to meet domestic demand.

The ongoing spread of African swine fever (ASF) continues to curb demand for feed corn from the pig industry. Meanwhile, growth in the poultry sector is partially offsetting the decline in pig-related consumption, as poultry rations rely heavily on corn due to its high energy value and digestibility.

Feed mills continue to optimize formulas using technological solutions, substituting imported feed wheat for corn when pricing conditions are favorable to maintain the nutritional value of rations.

However, the Philippines does not produce wheat and will be forced to import approximately 7 million tonnes in 2026/27 to meet the needs of the food and feed markets.

Tags: corn, Philippines