The Philippines' export sector is proving surprisingly resilient in an increasingly uncertain global economy, posting its 16th straight month of growth and giving trade officials fresh reason to double down on programs aimed at helping local exporters compete abroad.
Philippine exports surged to a record USD8.17 billion in March, the highest monthly level since the Philippine Statistics Authority began tracking merchandise trade in 1991. The milestone was powered largely by sustained global demand for electronics, reinforcing the sector’s dominance in the country’s export basket.
Exporters in the Philippines are warning of looming business closures as surging fuel costs and persistent supply chain disruptions strain operations, with many firms saying they may last only a few months without urgent government support.
The Philippines’ agricultural trade in February 2026 posted modest growth, but persistent import dependence kept the sector firmly in deficit, highlighting ongoing structural challenges in domestic food production.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is stepping up support for exporters while keeping a close watch on global developments that could disrupt trade and logistics, as Philippine exports continue their growth streak.
The Philippine economy is beginning to resemble a car running low on fuel while its engine overheats. Growth is sputtering, prices are soaring, jobs are getting harder to find, and agriculture—a major source of food and rural livelihoods—is contracting
Southeast Asia’s small businesses need stronger digital capabilities and better access to regional markets to tap more than 680 million consumers and help ASEAN achieve its ambition of becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, ASEAN Foundation executive director Dr. Piti Srisangnam said.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) will inaugurate SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu on November 26–28, 2026, with two major trade exhibitions that will add 21,000 square meters of leasable event space to Cebu’s growing meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) is selling its entire 90.74-percent stake in Rockwell Land Corp. to Crème Investment Corp., an investment vehicle of Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, for P15.92 billion, freeing up capital for the group's investments in energy, infrastructure, and other businesses.