Economy

Japanese companies are preparing a new round of investments in the Philippines, reinforcing the country's position as a key manufacturing base in Southeast Asia amid ongoing efforts to diversify supply chains and strengthen regional production networks.

Philippine exporters are calling on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to establish clear rules governing returned export shipments, warning that policy gaps are compounding losses from ongoing disruptions in Middle East and European trade routes.

Clark Freeport’s growth story gained another boost after property developer Berthaphil, Inc. expanded its footprint in the economic zone, a move seen to reinforce investor confidence and create additional capacity for future business locators.

The Philippine economy generated a record P8.40 trillion in gross savings in 2025, fueled largely by robust corporate earnings and rising national income, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The Philippines has made notable gains from trade-driven growth, but sustaining that momentum will require a sharper focus on reducing trade costs, improving logistics, and streamlining border procedures, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO).