Philippine exports hit record USD 9.87B in September

MANILA — Philippine merchandise exports surged 35.6% to a record USD 9.87 billion in September 2026, driven by strong electronics demand and higher shipments to major trading partners, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The figure surpassed the USD 7.28 billion recorded in September 2025, marking the country’s highest monthly export earnings since official trade records began in 1991.

The September performance also extended the country’s export growth streak to 21 consecutive months, with the latest increase the strongest during that period.

For Filipino businesses and workers, sustained export growth could support manufacturing employment, increase demand for locally sourced materials, and create opportunities for agricultural producers and smaller enterprises to participate in international supply chains.

However, the benefits will depend on whether exporters can maintain foreign orders, expand production, and generate additional employment amid changing global demand and trade conditions.

The record export performance also came as imports climbed to USD 15.03 billion, leaving the country with a USD 5.15-billion merchandise trade deficit in September, according to the PSA.

The deficit widened 10.3% from USD 4.67 billion a year earlier, indicating that the Philippines continued to purchase more goods from abroad than it sold to overseas markets despite the export surge.

From January to September 2026, merchandise exports reached USD 73.95 billion, up 17.2% from USD 63.08 billion during the same period last year.

The nine-month figure was also the highest recorded for the January-to-September period, strengthening the country’s export performance ahead of the final quarter.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would continue supporting Filipino businesses seeking to expand their presence in international markets.

“Our exporters continue to prove that Philippine products can compete and succeed globally. This record performance reflects strong global demand, the competitiveness of our industries, and the hard work of Filipino businesses, workers, farmers, and manufacturers. More importantly, it means greater opportunities for Filipinos across the country.” Secretary Roque said.

Roque said the DTI would provide tailored assistance, help exporters comply with international standards, and connect Philippine companies directly with foreign buyers.

“Trade promotion must lead to sales, repeat orders, and long-term partnerships,” she added.

The department’s strategy focuses on turning participation in trade exhibitions and promotional activities into actual export orders and sustained commercial relationships.

For smaller businesses, access to overseas buyers can provide opportunities to diversify revenue sources and reduce dependence on domestic demand.

However, entering international markets also requires compliance with product standards, reliable production capacity, competitive pricing, and efficient logistics. 

Electronics drive export growth

Electronic products remained the country’s leading export commodity, generating USD 6.92 billion in September and accounting for 70.1% of total merchandise exports.

The sector registered the largest year-on-year increase among commodity groups, with export earnings rising by USD 2.89 billion.

The substantial growth underscores the electronics industry’s importance to Philippine manufacturing and international trade.

Within the sector, consumer electronics exports surged 250% compared with September 2025, alongside continued demand for Philippine semiconductors and other electronic components.

Semiconductors are essential components used in computers, smartphones, vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and industrial machinery.

The Philippines participates in global semiconductor supply chains through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and related electronics operations.

Strong foreign demand for these products can support employment in electronics manufacturing facilities and generate business for logistics providers, suppliers, and other supporting industries.

However, the concentration of exports in electronics also exposes the country’s trade performance to fluctuations in global technology demand and semiconductor industry cycles.

Other products contributed to the September expansion.

Export earnings from electronic equipment and parts increased by USD 64.41 million, while gold exports recorded an additional USD 59.52 million.

Other mineral products ranked as the second-largest export commodity group, generating USD 333.93 million, or 3.4% of total shipments.

Machinery and transport equipment followed with USD 316.54 million, equivalent to 3.2% of total exports.

The figures highlight the dominant role of manufactured goods, particularly electronics, in generating foreign exchange earnings for the country.

United States remains largest export market

The United States remained the Philippines’ largest export destination in September, purchasing USD 2.63 billion worth of Philippine goods.

The American market accounted for 26.6% of total merchandise exports, underscoring its importance to Philippine manufacturers and exporters.

Hong Kong followed with USD 1.55 billion, while mainland China ranked third with USD 1.12 billion.

Vietnam purchased USD 785.15 million worth of Philippine exports, followed by Japan with USD 619.17 million.

The five markets collectively accounted for a substantial share of the country’s export earnings, reflecting the importance of established trading relationships across North America and Asia.

The concentration also highlights the need for market diversification to reduce exposure to economic slowdowns, tariff changes, and shifts in demand among major trading partners.

For Philippine exporters, expanding into additional markets could help spread commercial risks while opening new opportunities for products beyond the electronics sector.

DTI expands export promotion efforts

To sustain export growth, the DTI is expanding efforts to connect Filipino enterprises with international buyers and develop markets for agricultural, food, and other Philippine products.

In September, the Philippines participated for the first time as a country exhibitor at Fine Food Australia 2026, where 11 Philippine companies presented halal-certified, healthy, natural, and premium food products.

The participation sought to introduce Philippine products to prospective buyers in Australia and the broader Oceania region.

The DTI also supported Philippine coconut-based enterprises participating in the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 in China.

The initiative was undertaken through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which supports programs intended to improve the productivity, competitiveness, and market opportunities of the Philippine coconut industry.

For coconut farmers and processors, access to international buyers could help expand demand for value-added products and create opportunities to earn more from agricultural production.

The strategy is relevant to agricultural regions such as Western Visayas, where producers and food processors can potentially benefit from stronger export market connections.

However, participation in these markets requires consistent product quality, adequate production volumes, compliance with food safety standards, and reliable transportation systems.

Philippine agricultural exporters also reached a milestone in September with the first shipment of fresh durian and mangosteen to Canada.

The shipment opened additional commercial opportunities for fruit growers and exporters seeking to diversify their overseas markets.

Expanding agricultural exports could help create opportunities beyond traditional manufacturing industries, particularly for farmers, cooperatives, processors, and rural enterprises.

Exporters’ trade exposition set Nov. 4-8

Building on the country’s export momentum, the DTI will hold the Philippine Exporters’ Trade Exposition & Forum 2026 from Nov. 4 to 8 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The five-day event will bring together exporters, foreign buyers, industry leaders, and trade support institutions to develop business partnerships and promote Philippine products.

More than 300 Philippine exhibitors are expected to participate.

The exposition will feature business-matching activities, expert forums, and export support services to help enterprises identify buyers and navigate international market requirements.

Dedicated Coconut Philippines and Halal Philippines showcases will highlight products and industries with opportunities for international market expansion.

The event will also recognize the contribution of the export sector to the Philippine economy while providing businesses with opportunities to secure new commercial partnerships.

For smaller enterprises, business-matching activities can help bridge the gap between having an export-ready product and establishing direct relationships with international buyers.

The DTI said its continuing export promotion efforts are intended to help Philippine companies move beyond one-time transactions and develop repeat orders that can sustain production and employment.

Roque also emphasized the role of the country’s growing network of free trade agreements in widening access to international markets.

These agreements can reduce trade barriers and provide participating businesses with preferential access to partner economies, subject to applicable requirements.

“Thus, when the government, industry, and exporters work together, we can push our enterprises to grow beyond borders and create more sustainable opportunities for Filipino businesses to thrive,” Secretary Roque added.

The government is seeking to translate stronger export earnings into broader business expansion as Philippine companies compete for a larger share of international trade.

However, the record export figures also highlight the country’s continuing dependence on electronics and a relatively concentrated group of major markets.

The widening merchandise trade deficit provides another reminder that higher export earnings alone do not eliminate the country’s reliance on imported goods and production inputs.

For Philippine businesses and workers, the longer-term significance of September’s record performance will depend on whether the export surge creates sustained production, better employment opportunities, and stronger participation by local suppliers.

More information on Philippine exports is available through the DTI’s Tradeline Philippines portal at tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph or through exports@dti.gov.ph.

Updates on export promotion activities are also available on the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau’s Facebook page at fb.com/dtiemb.