The Philippines announced that it would indefinitely ban exports of fresh ube. This has heightened concerns about a global supply squeeze, while the country's production reached 5,660 tonnes in the first half of 2026, up 17% year on year.
Ube, the purple yam that has attracted attention on Instagram and TikTok, is expected to become subject to a ban on fresh exports by the Philippines, the world's largest producer, the Financial Times reported. The Philippines is seeking to stabilize its domestic market and increase export earnings by expanding domestic production and restricting some exports, including processed and frozen products. Ube is widely used in jams, baked goods and ice cream, and has recently appeared on the menus of cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ube production in the first half of 2026 rose 17% year on year to 5,660 tonnes. The agriculture secretary said that the pace of growth in popularity was outstripping production capacity. The government intends to secure stable supplies by prioritizing domestic production while eventually developing ube into a larger source of export earnings.
Market participants have pointed to the possibility of a short-term supply squeeze, although cultivation in other countries and the use of alternative crops may expand. Cultivation of ube is reportedly accelerating in China and Vietnam, while some observers believe the export ban will not immediately affect processed or frozen products.