Filipinos favor US, Japan for economic security

MANILA — The United States and Japan emerged as Filipinos’ leading choices for the country’s most important economic partners, according to a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group.

Pulse Asia conducted the survey from Sept. 17 to 23, 2026, among 2,400 respondents.

Each respondent could choose up to three countries or organizations, so the percentages do not total 100%.

The findings measure public preference, not the value of trade, investment, or completed projects.

They still matter because public trust can influence support for partnerships affecting jobs, transport costs, energy, digital access, and the supply of critical technologies.

The United States led the national results at 73%, followed by Japan at 62%, Canada at 35%, Australia at 30%, and South Korea at 21%.

Table 1. Most important partners for Philippine economic security, Sept. 17–23, 2026

Japan gained 10 percentage points from its 52% rating in July. The United States rose 2 points from 71%.

Stratbase Group President and CEO Victor Andres Manhit said the gains showed greater recognition of the two countries’ economic and strategic roles.

“Filipinos increasingly recognize that our economic security is closely tied to the partnerships we build with trusted countries. The growing preference for the United States and Japan reflects confidence in partners that can help the Philippines expand investments, strengthen critical infrastructure and secure our place in emerging technology supply chains,” Manhit said.

The survey was released as the Marcos administration advances the Luzon Economic Corridor with the United States and Japan. The initiative covers transport infrastructure, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, logistics, and digital connectivity.

The corridor was launched in April 2024 to connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

The Department of Finance said the partnership expanded in May 2026 to include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The Philippine government, the United States and Japan held the first Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum in Manila in September 2026. The forum sought to move the corridor from government commitments to specific projects and private investment.

The Stratbase release said Australia, South Korea, and the European Union have also supported the corridor as the Philippines seeks more varied supply chains and less dependence on one country.

Canada rose 7 percentage points from July, while South Korea fell 1 point. Australia declined 5 points.

The United Kingdom ranked sixth at 20%, down 6 points. The European Union and China tied at 14%, with the EU up 1 point and China down 3 points.

Taiwan followed at 11%, up 3 points. India remained at 2%.

Table 2. Most important partners for Philippine economic security, July and September 2026

Manhit said Taiwan’s rating could be higher because of its role in technology and semiconductor supply chains.

“Taiwan’s preference rating could actually be higher, considering its important role in our technology and semiconductor supply chains. The way Filipinos understand the choices in the survey may also influence how they view Taiwan’s place among our economic partners,” Manhit said.

Manhit linked China’s lower national rating to continued tension in the West Philippine Sea, including reported Chinese Coast Guard harassment and Beijing’s claims involving the Philippines and Taiwan.

“China’s standing among Filipinos continues to be shaped by what they see and experience in the region. The preference rating could even be in the single digits were it not for Mindanao, the only region where China has consistently maintained a double-digit preference,” Manhit said.