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Philippine merchandise exports reached a 35-year high of US$9.11 billion in August 2026, surging 27.8% from the same month last year and marking the 20th consecutive month of year-on-year growth
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Electronic products drove the August increase and remained as the country’s top export at $6.20 billion, accounting for 68.1% of total exports during the month
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DTI said the electronics sector drove much of the overall increase amid sustained global demand linked to artificial intelligence and data centers
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Some agriculture and agro-processed export sectors, meanwhile, continued to face supply and logistical challenges
Philippine merchandise exports reached a 35-year high of US$9.11 billion in August 2026, surging 27.8% from the same month last year and marking the 20th consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
From January to August 2026, merchandise exports reached $64.04 billion, up 14.8% from $55.80 billion in the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the record performance, saying the agency will continue providing end-to- end, strategic and focused support to help more Philippine businesses maximize opportunities and strengthen the presence of Philippine products in the global market.
“Filipino exporters continue to demonstrate their capability to compete and succeed globally. This 35-year high builds on the sustained export growth we have achieved since last year, proving that the international market is ready and eager for Philippine products,” Roque said in a statement.
“The DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) remains firmly committed to helping our businesses meet local and global standards, connect with buyers, penetrate new markets, and establish a Philippine brand that reflects the trust of the global market in Filipino products,” Roque added.
Electronic products drove the August increase, posting a $2.32 billion year-on-year gain – the largest among commodity groups. Electronic products also remained the country’s top export at $6.20 billion, accounting for 68.1% of total exports during the month.
Gold and other minerals
Other mineral products followed at $393.54 million, or 4.3% of total exports, while gold reached $321.27 million, or 3.5%. Gold and electronic equipment and parts also recorded year-on-year increases of $41.83 million and $32.09 million, respectively.
By major type of goods, manufactured goods accounted for the largest share of August exports at $7.69 billion, or 84.4% of the total. Mineral products contributed $800.62 million, or 8.8%, while agro-based products reached $455.26 million, or 5%.
The United States remained the Philippines’ largest export market, receiving $2.17 billion worth of Philippine goods in August, equivalent to 23.8% of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong at $1.57 billion, China at $1.05 billion, Japan at $704.49 million, and Taiwan at $516.01 million.
READ: PH exports expand for 19th straight month in July with $8.15B sales
DTI said the electronics sector drove much of the overall increase amid sustained global demand linked to artificial intelligence and data centers. At the same time, some agriculture and agro-processed export sectors continued to face supply and logistical challenges.
DTI is monitoring these conditions and working with the private sector to address these concerns.
To help exporters find new buyers and diversify their markets, the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau continued its overseas promotion activities in August.
Eleven Philippine food companies joined the country’s first national participation in Fine Food Australia, which opened in Melbourne on August 31. The Philippine Pavilion gave exhibitors an opportunity to present halal-certified, healthy, natural and premium products to buyers from Australia and the broader Oceania region.
“Trade promotion must lead to real sales, repeat orders and long-term partnerships for our exporters. Through our overseas trade offices and export programs, we will continue helping businesses understand what buyers need, improve their products, and turn international exposure into sustained export growth,” Roque said.
