The Philippines is betting on a wider export playbook to keep its trade momentum alive, with the government turning to free trade agreements (FTAs), new product discoveries and stronger support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to fuel the next growth wave.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the country is pursuing a “major push” to uncover new export winners while helping local businesses gain deeper access to international markets.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Exporters Fair on July 22, Roque said the Philippines must continue finding products with global appeal, similar to how ube and calamansi have gained traction overseas.
“We’re always looking for new export stars,” Roque said, adding that regional offices are working to identify more homegrown products that can compete globally.
The strategy comes as Philippine exports continue to show resilience despite geopolitical risks and shifting global demand. Roque said merchandise exports grew 15.4 percent in 2025 and maintained positive momentum in 2026, expanding 8.7 percent in January, 8.9 percent in February, 20.8 percent in March, 7.2 percent in April and 7.6 percent in May.
She highlighted agricultural exports as a key growth driver, with coconut products posting 34.4-percent growth, alongside strong performances from bananas and pineapples. Ube, meanwhile, has emerged as an unlikely export star after becoming an ingredient in products sold by global brands, including Starbucks in the United Kingdom.
Roque said completing pending FTAs could provide another boost by giving Philippine exporters better market access and allowing them to compete more effectively against regional rivals.
“Once these free trade agreements are concluded, we’re hoping to grow even faster than what we posted last year,” she said.
The government is pursuing 23 trade agreements, including deals with the European Union, Canada and Chile, as well as upgrades to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. It is also supporting the proposed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which could open opportunities in a regional e-commerce market estimated at US$300 billion.
Beyond trade deals, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is expanding financing programs, export assistance, trade fairs and international missions to help MSMEs move beyond domestic markets.
With 29 trade offices operating across 21 countries, the DTI is positioning Philippine exporters to capture more global opportunities.
Roque said challenges will remain, from geopolitical tensions to shifting global demand, but government support and business resilience will be critical in sustaining export-led growth.
The broader goal is clear: build a more diverse export economy where established industries continue to grow while new Philippine products find their place on the global stage.
