Economy

Exporters in the Philippines are warning of looming business closures as surging fuel costs and persistent supply chain disruptions strain operations, with many firms saying they may last only a few months without urgent government support.

The Philippines faces a markedly weaker growth trajectory after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 expansion forecast to 4.1 percent, citing intensifying global shocks and a softer domestic backdrop.

Global information and analytics firm RELX is accelerating its expansion in the Philippines through a hub-and-spoke model anchored on talent development, reinforcing the country’s growing role in its global operations.

The United Kingdom’s move to ease trade rules under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is set to boost Philippine export competitiveness while strengthening the country’s push to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, according to British Ambassador Sarah Hulton.

The British envoy to the Philippines reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to deepening economic ties, highlighting strong fundamentals and reform momentum driving growing confidence among UK investors.