‘Exports to hit fresh record high this year’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine merchandise exports could hit a new record high this year, amid strong demand for the country’s products, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the agency is hopeful that 2026 would be another record year for merchandise exports.

“We’re still hopeful,” she said.

Last year, Philippine exports of goods reached $84.48 billion, the highest recorded since tracking started in 1991.

The 2025 export figure is also 15.3 percent higher than the $73.27 billion worth of exports in 2024.

In the first quarter of this year, Philippine exports of goods amounted to $22.70 billion, up by 12.7 percent from $20.14 billion in the same period last year.

“For the export, we can really see that there’s really potential,” Roque said, citing strong demand for Philippine products.

She said that semiconductors, electronics, minerals and automotive parts continue to drive the country’s exports growth.

In terms of agriculture exports, she said coconuts, bananas, pineapples and even ube are seeing strong demand.

Despite the Middle East conflict that has led to higher fuel and other costs in the domestic market, she said the DTI remains upbeat on achieving record-high exports this year as the challenges are not unique to the Philippines.

“The problem is worldwide. It’s not just us here,” Roque said.

She said that the free trade deals being negotiated by the country are also expected to help drive exports growth.

Earlier, she said that the Philippines expects to conclude talks for free trade agreements with the European Union, Canada, Chile and India within the year.

For his part, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said in an interview that the country’s merchandise exports could set a new record this year.

“That is a possibility. Unless there are surprises from the US and Iran war,” he said.

He said that as long as the country’s exports of electronics and key agricultural products remain exempt from US tariffs, Philippine exports are expected to continue to increase.

However, there is a need to continue addressing challenges affecting exporters including regulatory burdens, access to finance and compliance with standards.

“While we’re increasing, our neighbors’ (exports) are increasing much more than us,” Ortiz-Luis said.