USDA International Egg and Poultry Review: Singapore

USDA International Egg and Poultry

Reports » USDA International Egg and Poultry » USDA International Egg and Poultry Review: Singapore

13 February 2013

On January 28, 2013 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) published updated export requirements for Singapore. For poultry the changes focused on the section Processing with Antimicrobial Treatments.

The section states "Fresh/frozen meat and poultry and processed meat and poultry products for export to Singapore with production dates on or after April 1, 2013 can only be treated with the following antimicrobial agents. These agents must be used in accordance with FSIS Directive 7120.1."

The antimicrobial agents include: acetic acid; blend of lactic acid, citric acid and potassium hydroxide; ammonium hydroxide; citric and hydrochloric acid adjusted to ph 0.5-2; lactic acid; sodium hypochlorite; calcium hypochlorite; and peroxyacetic acid.

The United States (US) has a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore in force since January 1, 2004. The Singapore FTA was the first US FTA with an Asian nation. Under the agreement Singapore immediatly guarantees no tariffs on all US goods and Singapore cannot increase duties on any US product.

Singapore is an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member state and is their most affluent member. Singapore’s medium term growth is forecast to average 3-5% per annum. Their estimated broiler meat production has been holding at 60,000 metric tons since 2008.

Because Singapore does not produce much food, it imports a considerable amount of high value products and is a re-export base for products consumed in other parts of Asia. Some products reexported include frozen poultry.

Singapore’s imports of agri-foods, processed foods and drinks valued at US $12 billion in 2011, up from US $5.7 billion in 2006. Of Singapore’s imports of agri-foods, processed foods and drinks 7% consisted of meat and poultry. Singapore’s estimated total broiler meat imports for 2013 are forecast to be 145,000 metric tons, up 61% since 2002. US broiler meat exports to Singapore for 2012 are down 29% from 2011, but are up 99% since 2002.

Meanwhile, US turkey meat exports to Singapore for 2012 are 2,427.8 metric tons and have increased 11% over 2011 and are up 432% since 2002. US egg product exports to Singapore for 2012 are 820.4 metric tons, 8% higher than 2011 and a 51% increase over 2002.

Of Singapore’s frozen net poultry imports chicken accounts for 99% of volume. Brazil currently commands 56%, US 32% and Argentina 9% market share of Singapore’s frozen poultry imports. Malaysian live chickens are imported and slaughtered in Singapore. This fresh chicken is the dominant product in the market and is in high demand based on traditional demand traits.

Sources: Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics/USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service; USDA, FSIS Export Requirements for Singapore SN-75 (January 28, 2013); Office of the United States Trade Representative; Singapore Official Trade Statistics; USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service Gain Report Singapore Retail Foods Annual 2012; USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Official USDA Estimates.

Singapore Total Broiler Imports, Exports & Domestic Consumption Comparisons
(1,000 Metric Tons)

Source: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Official USDA Estimates

US Broiler Meat Exports to Singapore Versus Singapore Total Estimated Broiler Meat Imports
(1,000 Metric Tons)

Source: Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics/USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Official USDA Estimates