Production: from 30,000 MT to under 14,000
Philippine ube production peaked at 30,074 metric tons in 2006 (PSA OpenSTAT). By 2020, it had collapsed to 13,957 MT, a decline of more than 53%. Production has stagnated in the 13,500–15,000 MT range since, even as global demand has accelerated dramatically.
Philippine ube production volume (2006–2024)
Source: PSA OpenSTAT, FOI.gov.ph request PSA-792641540529. Years marked with dashed line are estimates.
| Year | Production (MT) | Change from peak |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 30,074 | Baseline (peak) |
| 2019 | ~15,000 | −50% (est.) |
| 2020 | 13,957 | −53.6% |
| 2021 | ~15,000 | −50% (est.) |
| 2022 | 13,535 | −55% |
| 2023–2024 | ~14,000 | −53% (est.) |
Source: PSA OpenSTAT, FOI.gov.ph. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on available data.
Climate vulnerability
The Philippines is ranked the 4th most climate-vulnerable nation globally over the period 2000–2019 (Germanwatch Global Climate Risk Index 2021). Ube's 8–10 month growing cycle on climbing vines makes it exceptionally exposed to typhoons, drought, and temperature shifts.
| Typhoon | Region affected | Est. crop loss |
|---|---|---|
| Yolanda (Haiyan) 2013 | E. Visayas/Leyte | ~60% |
| Odette (Rai) 2021 | Bohol/S. Leyte/Cebu | ~40% |
| Paeng (Nalgae) 2022 | S. Luzon/Visayas | ~25% |
Sources: NDRRMC, PAGASA, DA damage assessment reports
Key climate stats
- Average 20 typhoons enter Philippine Area of Responsibility annually; 8–10 make landfall
- Temperature has risen +0.6°C since 1950; projected +2–3°C by 2050 (IPCC AR6)
- Optimal growing temperature for Dioscorea alata: 25–30°C
- 2015–2016 El Nino: some areas received less than 50% normal rainfall for 6+ months, reducing yields by 30–40%
The paradox: importing ube while being the world's top producer
The Philippines now imports ube from Vietnam to meet domestic demand. Yam and tuber exports (including ube) are estimated at approximately US$3 million in 2025 (roughly doubling from an estimated US$1.4 million in 2024, based on broader HS code trade data), but this growth comes from a shrinking production base, squeezing the domestic market further.
The global ube market is valued at US$455 million and projected to reach US$943 million by 2035 (Transparency Market Research). The Philippine government has allocated minimal dedicated funding for ube-specific development programs.
The gaps in this data go deeper than funding. See our piece on why the Philippines' own processing statistics record zero tonnes of ube halaya for 33 straight years despite having a national food standard for it.
Data Sources
- [1]PSA OpenSTAT: Philippine Statistics Authority. Official ube production volume data, farmgate price data, 2006–2024View source
- [2]FOI.gov.ph: Freedom of Information request PSA-792641540529. Detailed ube production data by province and year
- [3]DOST-PCAARRD: Department of Science and Technology. Ube yield potential studies, Bohol Enhancement Project (April 2025), tissue culture and aeroponics research
- [4]DA (Department of Agriculture): Regional farmgate price monitoring and agricultural development programs
- [5]PAGASA: Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Typhoon and climate data
- [6]IPCC AR6 Working Group II: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Climate vulnerability assessment for tropical agriculture
- [7]Germanwatch: Global Climate Risk Index 2021. Philippines ranked 4th most climate-vulnerable nation (2000–2019)
- [8]PhilRootcrops, VSU: Visayas State University. Ube cultivar research, propagation technology, aeroponics facility data
Source ube direct from Filipino farmers
Philippine Ube works directly with farming families across the Philippines. We pay meaningfully above commodity rates and provide full supply chain traceability.
- All export documentation handled
- Phytosanitary certificates included
- Experience shipping to 20+ countries
- Packaging meets international standards