필리핀 열대성 insights

On July 2, 2025, the Philippines issued "Memorandum Order 33," which temporarily expands the varieties of seafood allowed for import. According to data from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, this memorandum modifies the import quotas for frozen seafood set in Memorandum Order 12, which was issued in May 2025, by changing the application period, product condition requirements, and import varieties. The Philippine authorities had previously announced Memorandum Order 12, approving a total import quota of 25,000 tons of seafood until May 30, 2025, to ensure domestic food supply and price stability. Under this new memorandum, seafood imports are subject to certain conditions.

The Philippine government is considering suspending the planned October increase of the biodiesel blending rate to B4, containing 4% coconut methyl ester (CME), in an attempt to address the sharp rise in fuel prices, reports Business Inquirer. "The National Biofuels Board (NBB) recently held a meeting where it was proposed to suspend the implementation of B4 in October," said Celia Rakepo, head of laboratory services at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), as reported on June 12. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the goal of increasing the level to B4 is to promote cleaner energy and economic growth. Rakepo reported that the recommendation was made during a meeting of the National Biofuels Board (NBB), as the planned increase in CME content in all diesel fuels sold in the country could lead to rising coconut prices. She added that although the country has sufficient coconuts, copra prices are increasing. As Business Inquirer writes, the NBB proposal was to be ...

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) aims to plant 50 million coconut trees by 2026, doubling its original target of 25 million. This plan is part of a five-year initiative launched in 2023, with the goal of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028. From 2024 to date, over 8.5 million coconut trees have been planted, with an estimated additional 15 million expected by year-end. According to reports, President Marcos has allocated funding, and the Coconut Authority will collaborate with planting communities to accelerate production material cultivation. The revised five-year plan also includes improving yields of existing 340 million coconut trees through fertilization programs. Many of these trees are aging, currently producing only around 40 coconuts annually, which is just one-third of their peak production. Global coconut oil demand continues to grow, partly due to the EU's decision to classify palm oil as environmentally unsustainable and plan to phase out imports by 2030, creating new opportunities for coconut-producing countries like the Philippines. Simultaneously, global coconut oil prices are rising due to declining copra production and surging demand for fresh coconuts as a healthy beverage. In 2024, Indonesia's coconut production is 17.13 million tons, with the Philippines at 14.77 million tons. The Philippines' coconut production decline is largely attributed to the destruction caused by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which destroyed approximately 10 million coconut trees.