Philippine exports are poised to sustain double-digit growth this year and outperform government forecasts despite higher US tariffs and other external challenges, supported by strong first-half shipments and a broader mix of products and markets.
What began as a one-person coffee business during the pandemic has grown into a nationwide enterprise employing thousands of workers, proving that a small startup can build a bigger business by widening access to opportunity.
The Philippine government’s budget deficit widened sharply in July as spending surged to support major programs and infrastructure projects, outpacing a modest increase in revenues.
Philippine manufacturers are pressing the government to cut non-tariff barriers and administrative delays as a weaker peso pushes up the cost of imported raw materials, machinery, and fuel.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is pushing electronic invoicing as a digital overhaul that could make tax compliance easier for businesses while giving the government better tools to track transactions and collect revenues.