Philippine seven-month exports reach 35-year high

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

MANILA — Philippine merchandise exports maintained their upward trajectory in July, lifting the January-to-July 2026 total to its highest level since the government’s current data series began in 1991.

Exports have expanded for 19 consecutive months amid the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to broaden the country’s global trade footprint.

The growth followed a record-breaking 2025, when full-year exports reached USD 84.48 billion, up 15.3% from a year earlier and the strongest annual performance in the current data series.

The Department of Trade and Industry attributed the momentum partly to programs that expose local exporters to international markets, connect Filipino businesses with foreign buyers and help companies meet global standards.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed export sales reached USD 8.15 billion in July, up 10.8% from USD 7.36 billion in the same month last year.

Exports from January through July rose 12.9% to USD 54.92 billion from USD 48.67 billion during the same period in 2025.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the sustained growth and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to bringing more Filipino businesses into global markets.

“The true value of our resource is not only what we harvest, but in what we create from all the products that we have here in the country. But we must continue to make sure that we exhaust the full and maximum potential of all of these products,” Roque said.

“Our exporters continue to demonstrate that Philippine products and services can compete globally. The DTI will get Filipino products abroad—we will not let up until every capable business finds its place in the global market,” she added.

“To sustain this momentum, we will continue to prioritize trade promotion efforts that elevate the visibility of Philippine brands in the global market. We will continue to open doors for our exporters by giving Filipino businesses more opportunities to meet foreign buyers, provide tailored and targeted assistance to help them understand and comply with international market requirements, and bring their products to new and emerging markets,” Roque added.

Roque said successful exporting requires more than quality products.

Businesses must also understand consumer preferences, position their brands effectively and build lasting relationships with buyers, she said.

Electronic products remained the country’s top export commodity in July, generating USD 4.79 billion and accounting for 58.8% of total export sales.

Other manufactured goods followed at USD 371.46 million, while other mineral products generated USD 366.26 million.

Electronic products posted the largest annual increase among commodity groups, rising by USD 869.72 million.

Gold exports recorded the second-largest increase at USD 79.34 million, followed by electronic equipment and parts at USD 71.81 million.

Manufactured goods remained the largest major export category in July at USD 6.61 billion, accounting for 81.1% of total exports.

Mineral products contributed USD 776.61 million, or 9.5%, while agro-based products accounted for USD 548.95 million, or 6.7%.

The United States remained the largest buyer of Philippine goods in July, purchasing USD 1.68 billion, or 20.7% of total exports.

Hong Kong followed with USD 1.29 billion, or 15.9%, while China purchased USD 919.82 million, or 11.3%.

Japan bought USD 856.60 million in Philippine goods, or 10.5%, while Singapore accounted for USD 401.17 million, or 4.9%.

The five markets received about 63% of the country’s merchandise exports during the month.

To expand the international reach of local enterprises, the DTI continues to organize overseas trade fairs, business-matching missions and market-entry initiatives.

During the first half of 2026, the DTI Export Marketing Bureau assisted more than 3,200 exporters in accessing over 20 markets.

Working with Philippine Trade and Investment Centers, the bureau facilitated business missions involving prospective partners from Australia, China, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Spain and Thailand.

The missions were designed to help Philippine companies secure distribution agreements and strengthen their supply chains.

The DTI also plans to showcase local businesses at international trade events, including Mega Show and Cosmoprof Asia in Hong Kong, Gamescom Asia in Thailand and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase.

Other planned events include Fine Food Australia, UK Microelectronics and Beautyworld Dubai.

The events will support exporters in industries ranging from food, halal products and electronics design to beauty, wellness and game development.

The trade missions are accompanied by technical support, including market intelligence, export consultations and guidance on using the country’s free trade agreements.

The Philippines has 23 free trade agreements in force or under active negotiation, which the government says is the largest trade agreement network pursued by any Philippine administration.

Negotiations with the European Union and Canada are advancing, while the DTI expects the review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement to conclude this year.

The Philippines and Chile concluded negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in July.

The agreement, expected to be signed in October, would become the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Latin American country and could help local exporters reach more South American markets.

Imports, however, grew faster than exports in July, rising 19.8% to USD 14.12 billion.

The merchandise trade deficit widened 34.9% to USD 5.97 billion during the month, according to the PSA.

The DTI said it would continue working with other government agencies and private-sector partners to help Filipino businesses turn international exposure into sustainable commercial growth.

More information on Philippine exports is available at tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph or through exports@dti.gov.ph.

Updates on upcoming trade activities are available on the DTI Export Marketing Bureau’s Facebook page at @dtiemb.