Philippine exports rise 7.6% in May

Philippine merchandise exports rose 7.6% in May 2026 to USD 7.87 billion from USD 7.32 billion a year earlier, reflecting sustained demand for the country’s manufactured and agricultural products, preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

The May performance was supported by stronger shipments of electronic products, machinery and transport equipment, mineral products, gold, coconut oil, and fresh bananas.

The Department of Trade and Industry said these major export products posted double-digit growth from the previous year, signaling continued global demand for Philippine goods.

From January to May 2026, merchandise exports reached USD 37.87 billion, up 10.6% from USD 34.25 billion in the same period in 2025.

The DTI said the five-month total was PHP 3.5 billion higher than the year-earlier level.

Electronic products remained the country’s top export, accounting for more than half of total merchandise exports.

From January to May 2026, electronic product exports increased 17.5% to USD 20.83 billion from USD 17.73 billion a year earlier.

Semiconductors continued to lead electronics exports, rising 19.1% to USD 15.65 billion and reinforcing the Philippines’ role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The broader export base also posted gains during the five-month period.

Machinery and transport equipment exports grew 61.3%, while gold exports nearly doubled with a 93.6% increase.

Other mineral product exports expanded 25.6%, while fresh banana exports rose 18.2%.

The food sector also sustained growth, supported by demand for Philippine beverages, processed food products, dairy products, snacks, and other value-added goods.

The DTI said food manufacturers continued to expand in regional and international markets through product innovation and export partnerships.

The coconut industry remained a steady contributor to export growth.

Coconut oil exports rose 10.3% to USD 1.32 billion from January to May 2026, supported by demand from key markets including the Netherlands, Malaysia, and the United States.

Demand for other coconut-based products also remained stable, helping position the Philippines as a reliable supplier of higher-value coconut exports.

The United States was the country’s top export destination from January to May 2026, with shipments valued at USD 6.68 billion.

The U.S. market accounted for 17.6% of total Philippine exports during the period.

Hong Kong followed with USD 5.74 billion, Japan with USD 4.79 billion, the People’s Republic of China with USD 4.17 billion, and Singapore with USD 1.70 billion.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque welcomed the sustained export growth, saying it reflected the competitiveness of Philippine exporters despite shifting global market conditions.

“The sustained growth of Philippine merchandise exports reflects the strength and competitiveness of our exporters. To ensure this upward momentum, the DTI is championing a whole-of-government approach to aggressively push and drive our exports through strategic, targeted support programs in partnership with both the public and private sectors. Moving forward, we are ensuring a sharper focus on accelerating the growth of our agricultural sector, ensuring that our high-value agri-products and innovative goods are ready to compete on the global stage,” Secretary Roque said.

The PSA separately reported that total Philippine external trade in goods reached USD 21.23 billion in May 2026, up 16.1% from USD 18.28 billion in May 2025.

Imports rose 21.9% to USD 13.36 billion in May 2026 from USD 10.96 billion a year earlier, underscoring stronger domestic demand for foreign goods even as exports expanded.

Manufactured goods made up the largest share of exports in May 2026 at USD 6.16 billion, or 78.2% of the total.

Mineral products accounted for USD 791.23 million, or 10.0%, while total agro-based products contributed USD 698.78 million, or 8.9%.

To support exporters and expand market access, the DTI said it continues to implement trade promotion and market development programs with other government agencies and partner institutions.

In June 2026, the department supported the country’s first commercial shipment of fresh Philippine mangoes to Canada, opening a new market for one of the Philippines’ flagship agricultural products.

The DTI said these efforts are part of its trade promotion events, policy development and advocacy, and capacity-building programs for exporters.

The department will host the Exporters’ Fair at the SM Megatrade Hall from July 22 to 26, 2026.

The event will feature the country’s export and export-ready products across different sectors.

The DTI said it will continue working with government and industry stakeholders to broaden market opportunities for Philippine products.

Through targeted export promotion and strategic market expansion initiatives, the department said it aims to help Filipino exporters enter new markets, strengthen their global presence, and capture new growth opportunities.

For more information on Philippine exports, visit tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph or email exports@dti.gov.ph.

For updates on information sessions and capacity-building activities, follow the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau Facebook page at @dtiemb.