Economy
US reviews Philippine labor safeguards amid tariff talks
The US is reviewing new Philippine safeguards against forced-labor imports as negotiations continue over Washington’s 12.5-percent tariff, while the Department of Trade and Industry said only about 30 percent of Philippine exports to the US are covered by the levy.
PEZA investments double to P216.5B in eight months
Investment approvals by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority more than doubled in the first eight months of 2026, putting the agency within reach of its P300-billion full-year target with four months remaining.
Philippines seeks bigger trade gains with New Zealand, Thailand
The Philippines is stepping up efforts to expand trade and investment with New Zealand and Thailand, using new bilateral mechanisms to widen market access, address trade barriers, and develop new commercial opportunities.
Domestic trade volume plunges as fuel costs surge
The Philippines’ domestic trade volume plunged 38 percent year on year to 10.57 million tons in the second quarter of 2026, as higher logistics costs amid the Middle East conflict likely weighed on commodity movements.
APECO seeks bigger budget to unlock P18B pipeline
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is asking Congress for stronger budget support to keep an estimated P18 billion investment pipeline moving, warning that a sharp funding cut could undermine the economic zone’s ability to attract investors.
