Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday announced the lifting of a temporary import ban on poultry products from Argentina. The agency issued Department Circular No. 29, revoking the restrictions earlier imposed under Department Circular No. 13, following the resolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases with no new reported outbreaks in the South American state.
According to Philippines News Agency, the official declaration from Argentina's animal health authorities restored its disease-free status under standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health. In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the lifting of the import ban is expected to boost the country's diversification of sources and supply status.
'Restoring access to poultry products and breeding materials from Argentina strengthens our supply options at a time when food security remains a national priority,' Tiu Laurel stated. 'A broader and more diversified sourcing base helps ensure adequate supply, supports the requirements of our poultry industry, and contributes to price stability for consumers while maintaining the strict biosecurity standards needed to protect local production,' he added.
The resumption of the poultry trade with Argentina is expected to benefit poultry integrators, breeders, and food processors that rely on imported genetics and raw materials to support local production. Additional sources of poultry products and breeding stock could also help improve supply resilience and support the long-term growth of the domestic poultry sector.
According to the DA, industry players often source from multiple countries to reduce the risk of supply disruptions caused by disease outbreaks, trade restrictions, or logistical bottlenecks. Import transactions involving products slaughtered or produced after the issuance of the circular may resume in accordance with existing DA regulations. The order will take effect 15 days after publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
