DTI export expo links 300 Filipino firms to global buyers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) brought together more than 300 Filipino exhibitors at the Philippine Exporters’ Trade Exposition & Forum 2026, seeking to convert the country’s record export growth into new business contracts, employment opportunities, and additional income for local producers.

The exposition provided Filipino enterprises with direct access to prospective international buyers, business partners, and export support institutions, addressing market-entry barriers that often prevent smaller businesses from expanding beyond domestic customers.

The initiative came as Philippine merchandise exports reached a record USD 9.87 billion in September 2026, up 35.6% from USD 7.28 billion in the same month last year, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The September figure represented the highest monthly merchandise export value recorded since the PSA began tracking international trade in 1991.

From January to September 2026, total merchandise exports increased 17.2% to USD 73.95 billion from USD 63.08 billion during the corresponding period in 2025.

The strong performance underscores opportunities for Philippine manufacturers and producers to expand their presence in overseas markets, although sustained growth will depend on their ability to secure buyers, meet international standards, and maintain reliable production and delivery.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the government intends to build on these gains by helping more Filipino businesses participate in international trade.

“Our record export performance shows what Philippine industries can deliver. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this administration is fully committed to building on these gains by helping more Filipino enterprises enter new markets, expand their global reach, and advance their growth. Every new order can fuel production, provide jobs, and bring income to more Filipino communities,” said Roque.

For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), access to export markets could create opportunities to increase production, diversify revenue sources, and generate employment in communities where local enterprises are major sources of livelihood.

However, the ability to capitalize on stronger international demand also depends on overcoming challenges involving product certification, financing, logistics, and compliance with importing countries’ regulations.

DTI sought to address these constraints through targeted export promotion initiatives, business-matching activities, outbound trade missions, and its global network of Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs).

These mechanisms are designed to connect domestic enterprises with potential overseas customers while providing support in identifying market opportunities and establishing commercial partnerships.

A major feature of the exposition was the Export Enablers Clinic, where established and aspiring exporters could consult government agencies, certification bodies, and private sector institutions.

The clinic provided guidance on export regulations, product standards, financing options, logistics requirements, and market intelligence.

For businesses preparing to enter international markets, such assistance could help reduce compliance difficulties, improve export readiness, and identify suitable destinations for their products.

Access to reliable market information is particularly important for smaller enterprises that lack the resources to maintain dedicated export departments or conduct extensive overseas market research.

The exposition also provided a showcase for major Philippine export industries, including food and beverages, personal care products, cosmetics, garments, textiles, footwear, gifts, decor, housewares, fashion accessories, jewelry, and bags.

Many of these products were featured under the Coconut Philippines and Halal Philippines pavilions, highlighting opportunities to develop specialized products and reach consumers with distinct preferences.

The Coconut Philippines pavilion emphasized the commercial potential of coconut-based products and their role in expanding value-added agricultural exports.

Developing processed coconut products could create additional markets for local manufacturers while strengthening economic opportunities along the coconut supply chain.

Meanwhile, the Halal Philippines pavilion highlighted products intended for markets that require compliance with halal standards, an important consideration for enterprises seeking access to Muslim consumer markets.

The exposition also promoted emerging Philippine export products, including ube, calamansi, mangoes, and bamboo.

These products offer opportunities to move beyond traditional commodity exports by developing processed foods, specialty consumer goods, and other higher-value products.

The promotion of agricultural and natural-resource-based products could also help connect export growth with farmers, processors, artisans, and community-based enterprises.

For regional economies such as Western Visayas, greater access to export opportunities could benefit producers of processed foods, agricultural products, handicrafts, and other locally manufactured goods.

However, converting international buyer interest into sustained sales requires consistent product quality, adequate production capacity, competitive pricing, and dependable supply chains.

The Philippine Exporters’ Trade Exposition & Forum 2026 was held through Nov. 8 at the second-floor Function Rooms 3-5 of the SMX Convention Center Manila in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The event was open to the public, with free admission and no registration required for entry.

Beyond displaying Filipino products, the exposition served as a platform for business networking, export preparation, and commercial partnerships intended to strengthen the country’s position in international markets.

The broader challenge for DTI and participating enterprises is to ensure that the country’s record export performance translates into sustained orders and wider economic benefits, particularly for smaller businesses and the communities that depend on them.