Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (Not roasted or otherwise cooked)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Raw peanuts in the Philippines are domestically produced, with official reporting cited by the Department of Agriculture showing 31,772.15 metric tons in 2023 and Ilocos Region as the top producing region (with a large share coming from Pangasinan). At the same time, the Philippines is a major importer of raw shelled peanuts (HS 120220), with UN Comtrade data via WITS showing about US$52.56 million and 30.36 million kg of imports in 2023, led by China and India. This combination makes the market import-dependent for industrial and consumer supply continuity despite local production. Trade is regulated through plant quarantine and SPS import clearance requirements administered by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic production contributes to supply, with consolidation/storage initiatives reported in key producing areas such as Pangasinan (Ilocos Region).
Specification
Primary VarietySpanish-type peanuts
Compositional Metrics- Aflatoxin control is a key quality and safety consideration for peanuts entering trade; Codex provides prevention and reduction guidance across the supply chain.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic: farm production (Ilocos Region/Pangasinan) → consolidation/storage → local wholesale and processing channels
- Import: overseas supplier → port arrival → BPI plant quarantine/SPS clearance and inspection → accredited storage facility → domestic distribution
Shelf Life- Post-harvest drying and moisture-controlled storage are critical to reduce mould growth and aflatoxin risk in peanuts.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a trade-critical hazard for peanuts and peanut-derived products; it can trigger shipment rejection, recalls, or loss of market access if buyer or regulatory limits are exceeded.Implement Codex-aligned controls (drying, segregation, storage hygiene) and require routine aflatoxin testing/COAs from suppliers before shipment.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMissing or incorrect plant quarantine/SPS documentation (e.g., SPSIC/PQC and phytosanitary certificate) can lead to delays, seizure, or refusal of entry for regulated plant products.Confirm BPI NPQSD clearance pathway for the exact HS code and end use (food vs planting) and align documents with BPI/PNTR checklists before shipping.
Logistics MediumBecause the Philippines imports large quantities of raw shelled peanuts, ocean freight costs, container availability, and port delays can materially affect landed cost and supply continuity for buyers relying on imports.Diversify origins (where feasible), lock in freight capacity during peak seasons, and maintain buffer inventory for downstream users.
FAQ
Is the Philippines mainly a producer or an importer of raw peanuts?It is both a producer and an import-dependent market. The Department of Agriculture cites PSA reporting of 31,772.15 metric tons of peanut production in 2023, while UN Comtrade data via WITS shows about US$52.56 million (30.36 million kg) of imports of raw shelled peanuts (HS 120220) in 2023.
What documents are commonly required to import raw peanuts into the Philippines?For regulated plant/plant-product imports, guidance from Philippine agencies indicates a BPI-issued SPS import clearance (SPSIC for commercial shipments, or PQC as applicable) and a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s competent authority are key requirements, alongside BPI/NPQSD procedures for inspection and clearance.
What is the single biggest food safety risk for raw peanuts in trade?Aflatoxin contamination. Codex has a dedicated Code of Practice for preventing and reducing aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, reflecting how this hazard can block market access if not controlled through drying, storage management, and testing.