Domestic trade in the Philippines continued to expand in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting sustained movement of goods across the country despite persistent regional trade imbalances driven by uneven production and consumption patterns.
Based on data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, trade activity by value remained heavily supported by industrial and manufacturing regions, with CALABARZON emerging as the country’s largest net sender of goods with a domestic trade surplus of P247.82 billion.
CALABARZON, which collectively refers to the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon south of Metro Manila, has become one of the country’s most important industrial and logistics corridors, hosting major manufacturing estates, ports, warehouses, and export-oriented businesses. Analysts said the region’s strategic proximity to the capital continued to strengthen its role as a major supplier of goods to urban consumption centers nationwide.
Other regions posting favorable domestic trade balances were Central Visayas at P74.37 billion and Davao Region at P72.11 billion, supported by manufacturing, agribusiness, and inter-island commerce.
On the other hand, National Capital Region remained the country’s largest net receiver of goods, posting a domestic trade deficit of P277.15 billion during the quarter. Economists said the imbalance reflects Metro Manila’s position as the country’s main consumption and commercial center, relying heavily on inflows of food, construction materials, fuel, and consumer products from other regions.
SOCCSKSARGEN, which comprises the Central Mindanao provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, as well as the city of General Santos, recorded the country’s second-largest domestic trade deficit at P87.03 billion. Meanwhile, Negros Island Region posted a negative balance of P73.60 billion.
Analysts said the latest figures indicate that domestic trade remains a critical pillar of economic activity, supported by improving mobility, stronger consumer demand, and continuing infrastructure investments that have enhanced interregional connectivity. Rising cargo movement, in both volume and value, also suggests resilient business activity despite inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainty.
