Economy

Food and beverage giant Nestlé Philippines is staying cautiously optimistic this year, even as geopolitical tensions threaten supply chains and drive up key commodity prices.

The Philippine economy may finally find firmer footing in 2026—but the path to recovery could still be fragile.

The Philippines is accelerating negotiations for several free trade agreements (FTAs), with officials aiming to conclude key deals by mid-2026 to widen market access for local exporters.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Saturday warned retailers against hoarding essential goods and engaging in profiteering, saying such illegal practices will not be tolerated as global tensions threaten to drive up oil prices and logistics costs.

The Philippines believes it can address concerns raised by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) after Washington launched a new investigation into the country’s alleged shortcomings in enforcing restrictions on goods produced with forced labor.