Yams market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the yam market volume in the Philippines contracted from 14 205 t to 13 431 t. This decline coincided with persistent challenges in marketing and price stability for wild yams, as noted in upland municipalities. The supply chain relied on older harvesters using basic tools, limiting market access and expansion.

Market volume continued to decrease, reaching 12 412 t by 2023. In 2024, broader agricultural trends emerged, including a 3.7% drop in the crop industry's gross value added, pointing to economic pressures on producers. Simultaneously, rising consumer interest in organic produce and sustainable farming practices began shaping agricultural methods, which could influence yam cultivation approaches.

Production yams in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of yams, 2017-2020

World map of production of yams, 2017-2020

Yams production in the Philippines has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 13 958 tonnes of yams, which represents a 0.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.9%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 14 465 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 3.0% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports yams from the Philippines

Exports in kind, t

The export market for yams from the Philippines showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 297.1 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 659.3 tonnes, creating a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 532.5 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 19.2% from the previous year. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2018 with a 36.7% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 121.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the primary destination for yams exports from the Philippines, accounting for 79.0% of total export volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values displayed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 143.8 thousand US dollars, while the highest was observed in 2020 at 591.7 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.1-fold increase between these years. In 2020, export value showed a steep rise of 77.0% compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 54.0% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 132.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States and Canada together dominated the export market in value terms, jointly representing 80.4% of total export value. Other trading partners accounted for the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020

Imports yams to the Philippines

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes experienced noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. The lowest level was recorded in 2017, while imports peaked in 2019 at 210.0 tonnes, representing a dramatic 1 768-fold increase between these years. In 2020, the Philippines imported 125.5 tonnes of yams, showing an abrupt decline of 40.2% year-over-year. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a remarkable 31 263.6% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, China and Vietnam continued to be the main sources of yams imports to the Philippines in volume terms, together accounting for 96.4% of total imports. Other countries played a supplementary role in the import market.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited significant volatility during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2019 at 192.8 thousand US dollars, creating a 288-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import value stood at 177.9 thousand US dollars, down 7.7% from the previous year. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2018 with a 1 739.5% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Vietnam and China consistently represented 96.2% of total import value, indicating a highly concentrated market with a long tail of smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Philippines in value, 2017-2020