Dairy production in the Philippines saw a 15-percent increase in the first half of 2024 to 16,000 metric tons (MT) from 13,940 MT in the same period last year, the Philippine Dairy Authority (PDA) said Friday.
The PDA said in its latest dairy update local milk production now contributes 21 percent of the total liquid milk supply, or about one of every five glasses consumed.
The local dairy sector is supported by 151,059 dairy animals including cattle, carabao and goats. Gross earnings in the sector went up by 23.6 percent to P879.88 million in the six-month period.
The net supply of milk and dairy products amounted to 1.64 million MT in the first half, a 12.7-percent increase from the previous year.
Imports also grew 12.9 percent, while exports surged 27.5 percent.
Milk and dairy product imports grew 12.9 percent in volume, but their value decreased by 9.2 percent. Skim milk powder led imports, followed by other milk powders and ready-to-drink milk.
New Zealand, the United States and Indonesia were the primary sources of these imports.
Milk exports rose 27.5 percent on increased shipments of cream, cheese and milk powders. Singapore and the United Arab Emirates were the top export markets, with Canada and the USA also playing significant roles.
Despite the growth, the dairy sector represents only 0.07 percent of the total agricultural and fisheries production and 0.45 percent of total livestock production values.
