Philippine exports surged to a record USD54.92 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 12.9 percent year-on-year, prompting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to widen its push for new markets and overseas buyers for local businesses.
July shipments alone rose 10.8 percent to USD8.15 billion, extending the country’s export growth streak to 19 consecutive months.
The sustained growth is giving the DTI an opportunity to broaden the Philippines’ export base and help more companies tap demand overseas, particularly as global trade patterns and supply chains continue to shift.
The DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) assisted more than 3,200 exporters in accessing over 20 markets during the first half through business missions, trade fairs, market intelligence, and export consultations.
Through Philippine Trade and Investment Centers, the EMB facilitated business missions involving prospective partners from Australia, China, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Spain, and Thailand, with the aim of securing distribution arrangements and strengthening supply chains.
The DTI is also bringing Philippine companies to major international trade exhibitions covering food, halal products, electronics design, beauty and wellness, and game development.
These include Cosmoprof Asia and Mega Show in Hong Kong, Gamescom Asia in Thailand, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, Fine Food Australia, UK Microelectronics, and Beautyworld Dubai.
The agency is helping exporters maximize the country’s free trade agreements, which can improve market access and reduce barriers to overseas sales.
Additional opportunities could come from ongoing negotiations for Philippine trade agreements with the European Union and Canada, alongside the review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.
With exports already posting record gains, the DTI’s next challenge is to turn the momentum into a broader and more durable international customer base for Philippine products and services.
The goal is not simply to ship more, but to help more Filipino businesses become regular players in global markets.
