Philippine exports hit 35-year high in August

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Philippine merchandise exports reached USD 9.11 billion in August 2026, their highest monthly value in 35 years, as strong electronics shipments pushed overseas sales higher, according to preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority data cited by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Exports grew 27.8% year on year and extended the country’s run of annual export growth to 20 consecutive months, the DTI said in a press statement.

The sustained expansion strengthens the Philippines’ foreign exchange earnings and manufacturing sector at a time when exporters are trying to capitalize on global demand for electronics linked to artificial intelligence and data centers while diversifying markets for other Philippine products.

The DTI said the August export value was nearly USD 2 billion higher than the USD 8.16 billion recorded in August 2025.

However, the two values cited in the release differ by about USD 950 million, while a rise from USD 8.16 billion to USD 9.11 billion would also not correspond to the reported 27.8% year-on-year growth rate.

From January to August 2026, merchandise exports reached USD 64.04 billion, up 14.8% from USD 55.80 billion in the same period last year.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque welcomed the record performance and said the DTI would continue providing end-to-end, strategic and focused support to help Philippine businesses capture overseas opportunities and strengthen the presence of local products in international markets.

“Filipino exporters continue to demonstrate their capability to compete and succeed globally. This 35-year high builds on the sustained export growth we have achieved since last year, proving that the international market is ready and eager for Philippine products. The DTI remains firmly committed to helping our businesses meet local and global standards, connect with buyers, penetrate new markets, and establish a Philippine brand that reflects the trust of the global market in Filipino products,” Roque said.

Electronic products generated the biggest increase among commodity groups, posting a USD 2.32 billion year-on-year gain in August.

Electronics remained the country’s leading export commodity at USD 6.20 billion, representing 68.1% of total exports during the month.

Other mineral products were the second-largest export group at USD 393.54 million, accounting for 4.3% of the total.

Gold exports reached USD 321.27 million, equivalent to 3.5% of total merchandise exports. Gold recorded a year-on-year increase of USD 41.83 million.

Electronic equipment and parts posted a year-on-year increase of USD 32.09 million.

By major commodity classification, manufactured goods dominated August exports at USD 7.69 billion, representing 84.4% of the total.

Mineral products contributed USD 800.62 million, or 8.8%. Agro-based products accounted for USD 455.26 million, or 5.0%.

The United States remained the Philippines’ biggest export destination, taking in USD 2.17 billion worth of Philippine goods during August.

Shipments to the U.S. represented 23.8% of total exports for the month.

Hong Kong ranked second with USD 1.57 billion in Philippine exports. The People’s Republic of China followed with USD 1.05 billion.

Exports to Japan amounted to USD 704.49 million. Taiwan received USD 516.01 million worth of Philippine goods.

The DTI attributed much of the overall export increase to the electronics industry amid sustained global demand associated with artificial intelligence and data center development.

Some agriculture and agro-processed export industries, however, continued to encounter supply and logistical constraints.

The DTI said it was monitoring these conditions and working with the private sector to address the challenges.

The DTI-Export Marketing Bureau also continued overseas trade promotion activities in August to help exporters secure new buyers and reduce their dependence on individual markets.

Eleven Philippine food companies participated in the country’s first national participation in Fine Food Australia, which opened in Melbourne on Aug. 31.

The Philippine Pavilion provided the companies with a platform to showcase halal-certified, healthy, natural and premium products to buyers from Australia and the broader Oceania market.

“Trade promotion must lead to real sales, repeat orders and long-term partnerships for our exporters. Through our overseas trade offices and export programs, we will continue helping businesses understand what buyers need, improve their products, and turn international exposure into sustained export growth,” Roque said.