The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is stepping up efforts to expand market access for Philippine exporters as merchandise shipments sustained double-digit growth in the first five months of 2026, signaling resilient external demand despite global trade uncertainties.
Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed merchandise exports rose 11 percent year on year to USD37.87 billion from January to May. In May alone, outbound shipments increased 7.6 percent to USD7.87 billion, fueled by stronger exports of electronics, machinery and transport equipment, mineral products, gold, coconut oil and fresh bananas.
Electronics remained the country’s export powerhouse, accounting for more than half of total merchandise exports. Shipments of electronic products climbed 17.5 percent to USD20.83 billion, led by a 19 percent increase in semiconductor exports, reinforcing the Philippines’ position in the global electronics supply chain.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the strong performance would not slow the government’s export drive, with the DTI instead intensifying efforts to diversify markets and help more local firms integrate into global value chains.
Among the department’s latest initiatives was facilitating the first commercial shipment of fresh Philippine mangoes to Canada, opening a new overseas market for one of the country’s flagship agricultural exports.
The DTI is also pursuing a whole-of-government strategy to improve exporters’ competitiveness, expand opportunities for higher-value manufactured and agricultural products, and reduce dependence on traditional markets.
To sustain the momentum, the department will hold the Exporters’ Fair from July 22 to 26 at SM Megatrade Hall, bringing together export-ready businesses, buyers and industry partners.
The latest export figures suggest the country’s external sector is broadening beyond electronics, with stronger performances from agriculture and resource-based products providing additional support as the government pushes to build a more diversified and resilient export base.
