PH exports grow 6.3% in April

Philippine export sales rose 6.3% to USD 7.21 billion in April 2026 from a year earlier, extending the country’s growth streak to 16 consecutive months, the Department of Trade and Industry said, citing preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The DTI said the April performance reflected sustained momentum amid evolving global trade conditions.

From January to April 2026, total exports reached USD 29.93 billion, up from USD 26.93 billion in the same period last year and the highest export earnings recorded for the first four months of the year in over four years.

Exports stood at USD 7.09 billion in January, up 8.7% from the same month in 2025; USD 7.33 billion in February, up 8.9%; USD 8.17 billion in March, up 20.8%; and USD 7.21 billion in April, up 6.3%.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the export performance highlights government efforts to strengthen exporter competitiveness and readiness as global market conditions change.

“As international trade environment continues to evolve, it is important that our exporters are prepared to adapt to new requirements and challenges. We continue to collaborate closely with industry partners, the private sector, and international organizations to help Philippine exporters become more competitive, market-ready, and globally connected,” Roque said.

The DTI said April export growth was driven mainly by higher sales of electronics, minerals, and agro-based products.

Electronic products remained the country’s top export in April 2026, generating USD 3.44 billion, or 47.7% of total exports.

The DTI said electronics exports were supported by strong demand for consumer electronics, telecommunications, and office equipment used in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

Other key contributors were other mineral products at USD 458.95 million and machinery and transport equipment at USD 423.36 million.

Among commodity groups, machinery and transport equipment posted the highest annual increase in export value, followed by coconut oil and other mineral products.

Exports of coconut-based products also benefited from global demand for food ingredients and plant-based alternatives, strengthening the country’s agro-based export segment, the DTI said.

The United States was the country’s top export destination in April 2026, accounting for USD 1.30 billion, or 18.0% of total exports.

China followed with USD 926.66 million, Japan with USD 914.64 million, Hong Kong with USD 914.59 million, and Singapore with USD 332.75 million.

The DTI said its Export Marketing Bureau continues to implement initiatives to strengthen exporter readiness, including sustainability and traceability workshops with the International Trade Centre and the European Union under the Climate Competitiveness Project.

The agency said it is also conducting women-focused export readiness workshops and MSME-oriented trainings on logistics, customs, and digital trade under the Regional Trade for Development initiative and DHL GoTrade.

The DTI said it is stepping up support for micro, small, and medium enterprises seeking new markets through Halal certification assistance, trade fairs, business matching activities, and business missions through Philippine Trade and Investment Centers worldwide.

Despite the positive April results, the DTI said external risks remain, including geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing Middle East crisis, which continues to pressure oil supply, and foreign exchange volatility, which can have mixed effects on exporters depending on their reliance on imported inputs.

The department said it will continue monitoring global developments that may affect trade and supply chains and work with industry stakeholders to strengthen market diversification and support exporters in navigating global uncertainties.