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Philippine exports extended its growth momentum to 13 consecutive months in January 2026, with more than 70% of volumes shipped to markets where the country holds free trade agreements with
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Exports earnings in January grew 7.6% year-on-year to $7.1 billion
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Growth is the longest expansion in over a year and the highest export level since October 2025
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Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority attribute the performance to robust growth in electronic products and mineral exports
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Trade secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said they will “build on this performance by further deepening market reach through our expanded FTA network”
Philippine exports extended its growth momentum to 13 consecutive months in January 2026, with more than 70% of volumes shipped to markets where the country has free trade agreements (FTAs) with.
Exports earnings in the first month of the year reached $7.1 billion, up 7.9% from $6.6 billion in the same month last year. It also marked the longest expansion in over a year and the highest export level since October 2025.
Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority attribute the performance to robust growth in electronic products and mineral exports, underscoring sustained global demand for Filipino goods, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement.
READ: PH trade deficit drops 17.8% in Jan as exports sustain growth
“A defining factor in this sustained growth is the country’s aggressive expansion of market access,” DTI added.
Based on 2026 data, more than 70% of Philippine exports were shipped to markets where the country holds FTAs and Generalized Schemes of Preferences (GSP).
Trade secretary Ma. Cristina Roque noted that these figures “prove that the strategy of diversifying and deepening trade ties is paying off.”
“The broad-based gains across electronics, minerals, and agro-based products demonstrate that Filipino products are already consumed and recognized globally, reflecting the high quality and reliability of our industries,” Roque said.
“We will build on this performance by further deepening market reach through our expanded FTA network, strengthening value chains, and enhancing exporter support to secure steady growth throughout the year,” she added.
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Electronic products remained the country’s top export in January, generating more than $4 billion and accounting for 56.5% of total shipments. DTI said industry insights indicate that increased semiconductor exports and industrial production stemmed from robust international demand for artificial intelligence-related semiconductor components, as cited in the World Bank Group’s January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report.
Gold followed with $488.8 million in export earnings, while machinery and transport equipment added $383.2 million.
By commodity group, manufactured goods comprised the majority of total exports at $5.6 billion or 79.3%. Mineral products accounted for $732.3 million or 10.3%, after nickel ore shipments resumed early this year following weather-related disruptions in late 2025.
Industry sources said export volumes of critical minerals rebounded at the start of 2026 due to renewed production and stable global demand.
Agro-based products posted $573.8 million, representing 8.1% of total exports. Fresh banana shipments increased due to higher output and firmer demand compared to a year ago, while desiccated coconut exports rose on stronger prices year-on-year.
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Exporters, meanwhile, continue to comply with regulatory requirements in key markets, DTI noted.
For tuna shipments, the implementation of import comparability rules under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act starting January 1, 2026 requires additional documentation for certain products.
By destination, the US remained the Philippines’ largest export market at $1.2 billion or 16.4% of total shipments. Other major markets included Hong Kong ($1.1 billion or 15.9%), Japan ($871.7 million or 12.3%), China ($691.8 million or 9.8%) and South Korea ($391.8 million or 5.5%).
Germany and the Netherlands, both European Union members, ranked 6th and 8th, respectively. Taiwan was 7th, while Singapore and Thailand complete the top 10.
