By Adel Yusupov, U.S. Grains Council Regional Director for Southeast Asia

High prices of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the Philippines have ceased its use by most end-users and importers. However, since there is still strong interest for the product in the country, USDA’s Market Access Program is more vital now than ever to maintain interest and increase demand once the price returns to a competitive level.

Since 2007, the U.S. Grains Council has worked to motivate the local feed and livestock sectors to use DDGS as a healthy alternative to other local ingredients. As a result, the Philippines imported roughly 160,000 metric tons of U.S. DDGS in 2012, up 13 percent from the previous year. With the increasing demand in the feed sector, there is room for this amount to grow, but its price in comparison to local corn and imported soybean meal is a major challenge.

Through recent meetings the Council conducted with several importers and end-users, it is clear that despite the price, the preference for U.S. DDGS remains. In discussions on nutrient specifications, quality parameters (color, mycotoxins, pellet-ability) and DDGS inclusion rates in various rations, many end-users expressed an eagerness to conduct a feeding trial using U.S. DDGS in poultry feed and the need for consistent updates on its nutrient value.

Through the MAP program, the Council will continue to maintain and expand the market for U.S. DDGS in the Philippines.