Supply Situation

As of 1999, the area planted to maguey totaled 503.9 hectares with Bohol having the biggest area at 289.5 has. or 57.5% of the total area planted. Baling of this fibercrop averaged 95MT in 1990 per year for the period of 1990-1999. Baling was at its highest at 316.9MT in 1990 while the lowest was recorded at 5.5MT in 1999.

Demand Situation

Domestic consumption has been declining since 1990 as a result of dwindling fiber supply. From 1994-1995, maguey processors have resorted to importation to partially sustain their production.

Exports

The Philippines exported only 10MT of maguey fibers in 1987 and 18.2MT in 1991. This is due to the limited supply which practically goes to the local market and the unstable/unreliable supply of the fiber to meet export requirements.

Manufactures

From 1987 to 1990, the country exported maguey pulp to Japan, Taiwan, Germany and Belgium. After 1990, pulp exports ceased because the only maguey pulping plant stopped its operations due to insufficient and unreliable supply of raw materials.