Chicken prices to decline as ban on poultry products from Brazil, US lifted

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday that chicken prices may soon decline following the lifting of the import ban on poultry products from Brazil and six U.S. states.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Orders No. 34 and 32, officially removing the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, eggs, and related products from Brazil and from Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

In a phone interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the move is expected to ease supply constraints and help lower retail prices of chicken.

“Malaking tulong iyon kasi (That’s a big help because) Brazil is one of the main sources natin ng mga livestock natin (of our livestock) and poultry products,” he explained.

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that Brazil has resolved all reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as of June 18, with no new outbreaks recorded. Likewise, the six U.S. states have been cleared of new cases since June 9.

De Mesa said consumers can expect a prompt effect on prices.

“Mabilis lang iyong pagpasok ng mga imported galing Brazil. So, immediately naman (The entry of imported goods from Brazil will come immediately. So, it will be felt immediately),” he noted.

As of Wednesday, whole chicken prices in Metro Manila ranged between P220 and P250 per kilogram, according to DA-Bantay Presyo.

With the lifting of the ban, importers may now source live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and poultry semen from the approved areas.