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Philippine merchandise exports reached a record high of US$9.87 billion in September 2026, growing by 35.6% from $7.28 billion in the same month last year
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It was the country’s highest monthly export value since the Philippine Statistics Authority began tracking international trade in 1991
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January to September 2026 exports reached $73.95 billion, up 17.2% year-on-year
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Electronic products remained the country’s leading export, earning $6.92 billion and accounting for 70.1% of total
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Within the electronics sector, consumer electronics surged by 250%, alongside continued demand for Philippine semiconductor products and other electronic components
Philippine merchandise exports reached a record high of US$9.87 billion in September 2026, growing by 35.6% from $7.28 billion in the same month last year and posting the country’s highest monthly export value since the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) began tracking international trade in 1991.
Preliminary PSA data also showed that September marked the 21st consecutive month of export growth, with the latest expansion the strongest during that period.
From January to September 2026, total merchandise exports reached $73.95 billion, up 17.2% from $63.08 billion in the same period last year. This milestone also marks the highest January-to-September export value on record.
“Our exporters continue to prove that Philippine products can compete and succeed globally. This record performance reflects strong global demand, the competitiveness of our industries, and the hard work of Filipino businesses, workers, farmers, and manufacturers,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement.
She added that the DTI will continue opening doors for local enterprises by providing tailored assistance, helping them comply with international standards, and connecting them directly with foreign buyers.
“Trade promotion must lead to sales, repeat orders, and long-term partnerships,” Roque said.
READ: PH Aug exports hit 35-year high at $9.1B on electronics boom
Electronic products remained the country’s leading export, earning $6.92 billion in September and accounting for 70.1% of total merchandise exports. The sector also recorded the largest year-on-year increase among commodity groups, with export earnings rising by $2.89 billion, driving much of the country’s overall export expansion.
Within the electronics sector, consumer electronics surged by 250% compared to the same month last year, alongside continued demand for Philippine semiconductor products and other electronic components.
Minerals
Other products that contributed to export growth included electronic equipment and parts, with earnings increasing by $64.41 million, and gold, with earnings rising by $59.52 million.
Other mineral products, meanwhile, ranked as the country’s second-largest export commodity group at $333.93 million, accounting for 3.4% of total exports, followed by machinery and transport equipment at $316.54 million, or 3.2%.
The United States remained the Philippines’ largest export market in September, receiving $2.63 billion worth of Philippine goods, equivalent to 26.6% of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong at $1.55 billion, China at $1.12 billion, Vietnam at $785.15 million, and Japan at $619.17 million.
To sustain this momentum, DTI said it continues to diversify export markets and connect Philippine businesses with international buyers.
Agricultural and food products
In September, the Philippines mounted its first country participation in Fine Food Australia 2026, where 11 Philippine companies showcased halal-certified, healthy, natural, and premium food products to potential buyers from Australia and the broader Oceania region. The DTI also supported the participation of Philippine coconut-based enterprises in the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Expo 2026 in China, under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.
Philippine agricultural exporters also reached a new milestone with the first shipment of Philippine fresh durian and mangosteen to Canada in September, expanding market opportunities for local producers.
Philippine Exporters’ Trade Exposition & Forum 2026
Building on the country’s export momentum, the DTI will be holding the biggest gathering of exporters, buyers, industry leaders, and trade support institutions at the Philippine Exporters’ Trade Exposition & Forum 2026 on November 4-8, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
The five-day event will feature over 300 Philippine exhibitors, business matching activities, expert forums, and export support services, including dedicated Coconut Philippines and Halal Philippines showcases. The event celebrates and recognizes the contribution of the export sector and DTI’s continuing efforts to assist Filipino enterprises to expand into international markets and secure new business opportunities.
Under the current administration, DTI said the Philippines leverages a record number of free trade agreements that provides the country with wider access to international markets.
“Thus, when the government, industry, and exporters work together, we can push our enterprises to grow beyond borders and create more sustainable opportunities for Filipino businesses to thrive,” Roque said.
