The Philippines’ agricultural trade deficit narrowed in September to USD932.2 million, helped by a strong growth in farm exports and a slight decline in imports, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Total agricultural trade for the month rose 3.3 percent year-on-year to USD2.52 billion. Exports climbed 19 percent to USD794.5 million, while imports slipped 2.6 percent to USD1.73 billion, signaling improving competitiveness in the sector.
The country’s top 10 agricultural export commodities generated USD777.1 million, up 20 percent from the previous year. Leading the pack were animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils, and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; and animal or vegetable waxes, which posted USD297.5 million in earnings. This group accounted for 37 percent of total agricultural exports in September 2025, underscoring the sector’s reliance on high-value coconut-based and other processed oil products.
On the import side, the top 10 commodity groups were valued at USD1.46 billion, marking a 1.9 percent annual decline. Cereals—which include rice, corn, and wheat—remained the largest import category at USD361.3 million. The PSA noted that rice imports dropped significantly following the government’s suspension of rice importation from September through the end of 2025, a policy aimed at supporting local farmers and stabilizing prices.
Economists said the narrowing trade gap reflects stronger export performance and improved domestic production, though sustained growth will depend on continued investment in agricultural modernization and market diversification.
