Electronics exports likely to hit record high this year’

MANILA, Philippines —  The country’s electronics exports are expected to surpass the $50-billion mark and hit an all-time high this year, despite concerns linked to the Middle East conflict and the United States’ trade policy, according to the umbrella group of electronics firms.

“(We’re projecting) a five-percent (growth) of over $49.64 billion. At least we would breach $50 billion,” Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) president Dan Lachica told reporters on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Environment Forum yesterday.

If the projection is met, the country’s electronics exports would reach a historic high.

In 2025, the country’s electronics exports reached $49.64 billion, 16 percent higher than the $42.75 billion in 2024.

Last year’s electronics exports value was also close to the revised 2022 peak of $49.66 billion.

While electronics exports are poised to hit a record high this year, Lachica said the sector is concerned about recent geopolitical developments such as the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the tariffs imposed by the US.

While the Philippines’ exports to the Middle East are minimal, Lachica said  the US-Israel war with Iran is expected to affect the cost of fuel, transportation and energy and impact electronic firms’ operations.

“The cost of operations would increase, but it is not yet disrupting the supply chain,” he said.

He said demand for semiconductors and electronic products has not been affected by the conflict, but  SEIPI is closely monitoring developments.

In terms of the US tariff, he said the country’s exports of semiconductors and electronics continue to be exempted from the levy.

While US President Donald Trump imposed a 25-percent tariff on artificial intelligence (AI) chips in January, Lachica said these products are not being made in the Philippines.

He also said the electronics sector continues to attract investments, but these are mostly for the expansion of firms with existing operations and not new projects.

“The demand right now (is in) automotive, components, AI peripherals,” he said.