Philippine exports surged to a record USD8.17 billion in March, the highest monthly level since the Philippine Statistics Authority began tracking merchandise trade in 1991. The milestone was powered largely by sustained global demand for electronics, reinforcing the sector’s dominance in the country’s export basket.
Preliminary data showed exports rose 20.4 percent from USD6.78 billion a year earlier, reflecting continued resilience despite global economic uncertainty.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the performance highlights strong momentum across key manufacturing segments and ongoing efforts to expand market access for Filipino exporters.
For the first quarter of 2026, total exports reached USD22.70 billion, up 12.7 percent from USD20.14 billion in the same period last year. This marks the second-strongest quarterly growth since the post-pandemic rebound in 2021, suggesting sustained recovery in external demand.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the latest figures underscore the impact of government efforts to shift exports toward higher-value goods.
“March’s export performance demonstrates that the government’s push toward higher-value products, particularly in electronics, alongside targeted trade promotion, is helping exporters adapt to evolving global conditions,” she said.
Electronics remained the backbone of trade, generating USD4.82 billion or 59 percent of total exports. Machinery and transport equipment followed at USD407.22 million, while other mineral products contributed USD401.81 million, reflecting gradual diversification alongside continued electronics concentration.
The US remained the Philippines’ largest export market at USD1.40 billion, followed by Hong Kong at USD1.30 billion and Japan at USD962.41 million. All three destinations posted double-digit growth, signaling steady demand across key partners despite external headwinds.
The semiconductor and electronics industry is projected to grow about 5 percent this year, potentially pushing total exports beyond USD50 billion. However, risks remain from geopolitical tensions, including instability in the Middle East and ongoing global supply chain pressures.
The DTI said it is actively monitoring these risks while supporting exporters through diversification initiatives and a PHP3-billion assistance fund designed to help firms expand capacity and stay competitive in higher-value global markets.
