The Philippines is seeking to fast-track a bilateral free trade agreement with Canada, aiming to clinch a deal even as broader negotiations between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations move forward. Officials say an early deal could position the country as a strategic bridge linking North American supply chains with Southeast Asia’s expanding trade network.
The Philippines is closely watching a new US trade investigation that could reshape manufacturing supply chains and complicate trade flows across Southeast Asia.
The Philippines is pressing Southeast Asian economies to keep markets open as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten to rattle global supply chains and push up energy costs.
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may unintentionally accelerate Southeast Asia’s shift toward renewable energy, as governments confront the economic risks of heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Economic ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to confront two mounting external risks—escalating Middle East tensions and new US tariffs—when they gather for upcoming talks expected to probe the region’s exposure to global volatility.
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has extended its contract to run the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) for another 25 years, keeping operations until May 2063.
Philippine merchandise exports surged to a record USD8.8 billion in June, the highest monthly level since official records began in 1991, fueled by booming electronics shipments and strengthening global demand for advanced manufacturing products.
Prime Energy will begin supplying indigenous Malampaya natural gas to the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan Power Plant in September, a move expected to lower electricity costs by reducing the plant's dependence on more expensive imported fuel.
Ayala Land Inc. emerged as the biggest Philippine winner at the 2026 Human Capital Awards Southeast Asia, reflecting the growing role of talent strategy and workplace innovation as competitive advantages beyond traditional business metrics.