Philippines Reopens Poultry Imports from Minnesota, Illinois

Ban Lifted on US States

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on poultry and poultry product imports from Minnesota and Illinois. This decision follows the termination of bird flu outbreaks in both US states. The ban covered domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. Department Circular (DC) 41 now governs these import transactions, requiring adherence to existing DA rules.

Outbreaks Contained

Previously, the DA imposed restrictions on shipments from Minnesota and Illinois under DC 15 and DA Memorandum Order 67. The agency confirmed that authorities in both US states successfully contained the bird flu outbreaks. No further outbreaks have been reported in these areas. This reversal demonstrates the Philippines' commitment to its regionalisation agreement with the United States.

Regionalisation Policy

This regionalisation policy avoids country-wide import bans during bird flu outbreaks. Instead, it restricts shipments only from areas with active animal disease cases. The DA stated that state-wide trade restrictions apply only if three or more counties are affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Philippines maintains similar regionalisation agreements with other nations, including Spain, Germany, Poland, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Brazil.

Supply Chain Impact

The DA implemented these regionalisation guidelines to ensure a steady domestic meat supply and prevent price inflation. This move will help stabilise the Philippine market for poultry products. In the first half of 2026, the Philippines imported approximately 105,389 metric tons of meat from the US, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Reopening these specific US sources supports food security and manages consumer costs for a key commodity in the Southeast Asian nation.