Taiwan secures first breeding cattle export market in Philippines

台灣取得首個種牛出口市場 搶進菲律賓

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Philippines has approved imports of breeding cattle from Taiwan, opening the country’s first overseas market for the animals after two years of negotiations, the agriculture ministry said Monday.

CNA reported that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency received confirmation of the approval on Friday through Taiwan’s representative office in the Philippines. Breeding cattle can now be exported if they meet Philippine import and quarantine requirements.

Taiwan applied for export approval in 2024, and Philippine officials visited that November to inspect cattle farms. In May 2025, the Philippines approved Meigui Farm in Tainan and Hesheng Farm in Changhua County as eligible exporters.

However, exports could not begin until both sides agreed on quarantine rules and animal health certificate requirements. Further talks, supported by Taiwan’s representative office in the Philippines, led to final approval ahead of the National Day holiday, per Liberty Times.

The agency said the agreement marks a milestone for the domestic livestock industry, which already exports breeding pigs, per CTS News. It is the first time Taiwan has gained approval to export breeding cattle.

The deal allows the two approved farms to enter the Philippine market and creates new business opportunities for local cattle breeders. It also marks a step toward expanding Taiwan’s livestock exports beyond its existing markets, per CTEE.

The agency said it would continue working with agricultural and veterinary research institutes to maintain animal health and meet export standards. It also plans to seek access to more overseas markets to strengthen the livestock industry’s competitiveness.