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Philippine merchandise exports marked its 19th consecutive month of expansion in July 2026, with sales reaching US$8.15 billion, up 10.8% from $7.36 billion in the same month last year
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From January to July, exports rose to 12.9% to $54.92 billion, the highest first seven-months export value recorded since the Philippine Statistics Authority began its current merchandise trade data series in 1991
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The Department of Trade and Industry said the momentum follows a record-breaking 2025 and reflects cumulative gains from its intensified efforts to support local exporters by exposing them to international markets
Philippine merchandise exports marked its 19th consecutive month of expansion in July 2026, with sales reaching US$8.15 billion, up 10.8% from $7.36 billion in the same month last year.
From January to July 2026, exports rose to 12.9% to $54.92 billion from $48.67 billion in 2025, based on preliminary figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority. This marks the highest January-to-July export value recorded since the PSA began its current merchandise trade data series in 1991, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement.
The continued growth follows a record-breaking 2025, when full-year exports reached $84.48 billion, a 15.3% year-on-year increase and the strongest export performance in the country’s history.
DTI said the momentum also reflects cumulative gains from its intensified efforts to support local exporters by exposing them to international markets, connecting Filipino businesses with foreign buyers, and helping them meet global standards.
READ: PH exports surge to record high $8.8B in June driven by electronic goods
Electronic products remained the country’s primary export driver in July, generating $4.79 billion and accounting for 58.8% of total sales. Other manufactured goods followed at $371.46 million, while mineral products reached $366.26 million.
Electronics also posted the largest annual increase among commodity groups, growing by $869.72 million. Gold exports followed with a $79.34 million increase, while electronic equipment and parts grew by $71.81 million.
Overall, manufactured goods represented the largest export category in July at $6.61 billion, or 81.1% of total exports. Mineral products contributed $776.61 million (9.5%), and agricultural products accounted for $548.95 million (6.7%).
The United States remained the largest buyer of Philippine goods in July, absorbing $1.68 billion or 20.7% of total exports. Hong Kong followed with $1.29 billion (15.9%), China with $919.82 million (11.3%), Japan with $856.60 million (10.5%), and Singapore with $401.17 million (4.9%).
“Our exporters continue to demonstrate that Philippine products and services can compete globally. The DTI will get Filipino products abroad—we will not let up until every capable business finds its place in the global market,” DTI secretary Cristina Roque said.
Sustained trade promotion
To sustain the momentum, Roque said DTI will continue to prioritize trade promotion efforts that elevate the visibility of Philippine brands in the global market.
“We will continue to open doors for our exporters by giving Filipino businesses more opportunities to meet foreign buyers, provide tailored and targeted assistance to help them understand and comply with international market requirements, and bring their products to new and emerging markets,” Roque added.
She said successful exporting requires more than quality products, noting that businesses must understand consumer preferences, position their brands effectively, and build lasting buyer relationships.
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To broaden the international reach of local enterprises, DTI said it continues to organize overseas trade fairs, business-matching missions, and market-entry initiatives. During the first half of 2026, the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) assisted over 3,200 exporters to access more than 20 markets.
Working alongside the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers, DTI-EMB facilitated business missions with prospective partners from Australia, China, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Spain, and Thailand to secure distribution deals and strengthen supply chains.
DTI also plans to showcase local businesses at major international trade shows, including Mega Show and Cosmoprof Asia in Hong Kong, Gamescom Asia in Thailand, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, Fine Food in Australia, UK Microelectronics, and Beautyworld Dubai. These platforms will serve exporters in sectors ranging from food, halal, and electronics design to beauty, wellness, and game development, DTI noted.
These trade missions are paired with technical support, including market intelligence, export consultations, and guidance on leveraging the country’s free trade agreements (FTAs).
DTI said under the current administration, the Philippines has a record of 23 FTAs and DTI “is working to convert these into real opportunities for exporters.”
READ: PH pursues 20 free trade deals to expand export markets
Negotiations are advancing toward the conclusion of the Philippines-European Union FTA and the Philippines-Canada FTA, the review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement is set to conclude this year, and the recently signed Philippines-Chile FTA opens access to a South American market of roughly 300 million consumers.
READ: Marcos touts free trade deals as PH pursues new markets, industries
