Philippines generates record-high sales at China-ASEAN Expo

MANILA, Philippines — As tensions spiked between Manila and Beijing over disputed waters, a different scene unfolded on the trade front as the Philippines generated its highest sales ever from its recent participation at the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Expo (CAEXPO).

Data from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) obtained by The STAR showed that the Philippine delegation’s initial sales at the CAEXPO reached $60 million.

This marks the country’s highest sales ever at the CAEXPO, beating the previous record-high sales of $49 million achieved in 2024.

Last year, the Philippines generated $18 million worth of sales from the CAEXPO.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque expected the Philippines to achieve higher sales this year as the country sent its largest or 313-strong national delegation including 73 export enterprises offering agrifood, lifestyle, home and fashion, personal care and allied services, tourism, banking and pharmaceuticals during the China-ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, China from Sept. 17 to 21.

The Philippines sent its largest delegation as it was named as CAEXPO’s “Country of Honor” this year, the second time following the same designation in 2013.

According to CITEM, durian remained the country’s top-selling product during this year’s CAEXPO.

Despite the maritime tensions between China and the Philippines, Roque said it is business as usual when it comes to trade and investments.

“For us, trade keeps going,” she said.

She also said there are no issues in terms of demand for Philippine products in the Chinese market.

For CAEXPO first-timer Tongsan Industrial Development Corp., which manufactures and supplies coconut oil products, the CAEXPO is a platform to tap export opportunities in the Chinese market.

“We were told that there are many buyers here,” Tongsan marketing assistant Loreta Sinag said.

She also said that the tensions between the two countries are not seen to be affecting Chinese consumers’ sentiment when it comes to purchasing Philippine products.

For skincare brand Bebebalm Inc., which has been participating in CAEXPO for many years, the event is a testing ground for gauging Chinese consumer interest in products.

“The nice thing about CAEXPO, it is like a sample size. If people like it (product), if they find it popular, most likely you will have a market in China,” Bebebalm founder Carol Ong said.

While the Philippines and China have their differences, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz said that these do not define the countries’ bilateral relations.

“Our differences are not the sum total of our relations. There are other good stories, uplifting stories…like trade and businesses,” he said, noting these bring benefits in terms of jobs, revenues and new technology.