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The country’s merchandise exports grew 7.6% to US$7.87 billion in May 2026 from $7.32 billion in May 2025, reflecting a sustained positive performance
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The growth was driven by the strong performance of electronic products, machinery and transport equipment, mineral products, gold, coconut oil, and fresh bananas
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For January to May 2026, exports grew 10.6% higher at $37.87 billion
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Electronic products remained the country’s top export, while the food sector maintained positive momentum and the coconut industry a steady contributor to export growth
The country’s merchandise exports grew 7.6% to US$7.87 billion in May 2026 from $7.32 billion in May 2025, reflecting a sustained positive performance for the 17th consecutive month, based on preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The growth was driven by the strong performance of electronic products, machinery and transport equipment, mineral products, gold, coconut oil, and fresh bananas. These top export products recorded double-digit growth rates against the previous year, underscoring strong global demand for Philippine manufactured and agricultural exports, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement.
For January to May 2026, exports reached $37.87 billion, 10.6% higher from the $34.25 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.
READ: PH exports continue growth streak, up 6.3% in April 2026
Electronic products remained the country’s top export, accounting for more than half of total merchandise exports. From January to May 2026, electronic products exports reached $20.83 billion, up 17.5% from $17.73 billion a year earlier. Semiconductors continued to drive growth, increasing 19.1% to $15.65 billion and reinforcing the Philippines’ role in the global semiconductor supply chain, DTI noted.
Beyond electronics, several export sectors also posted strong gains during the period. Exports of machinery and transport equipment rose 61.3%, while gold exports nearly doubled, increasing by 93.6%. Exports of other mineral products expanded 25.6%, while fresh banana exports grew 18.2%, indicating broad-based growth across the country’s export portfolio.
The food sector also maintained positive momentum, supported by sustained demand for Philippine beverages, processed food products, dairy products, snacks, and other value-added offerings. Food manufacturers continued expanding their presence in regional and international markets through product innovation and export partnerships.
The coconut industry, meanwhile, remained a steady contributor to export growth. Coconut oil exports increased by 10.3% to $1.32 billion from January to May 2026, supported by demand from key markets including the Netherlands, Malaysia, and the United States. Demand for other coconut-based products also remained stable, supporting the Philippines’ position as a reliable supplier of higher-value coconut exports.
The U.S. remained the country’s top export destination from January to May 2026 with $6.68 billion, accounting for 17.6% of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong ($5.74 billion), Japan ($4.79 billion), China ($4.17 billion), and Singapore ($1.70 billion).
Government support
DTI secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the sustained growth in exports, highlighting the strength and competitiveness of Philippine exporters and their capacity to meet challenges amid evolving global market conditions.
“To ensure this upward momentum, the DTI is championing a whole-of-government approach to aggressively push and drive our exports through strategic, targeted support programs in partnership with both the public and private sectors. Moving forward, we are ensuring a sharper focus on accelerating the growth of our agricultural sector, ensuring that our high-value agri-products and innovative goods are ready to compete on the global stage,” Roque said in a statement.
To support exporters and expand market access, DTI, together with other government agencies and partner institutions, continues to implement trade promotion and market development support programs. In June 2026, DTI supported the country’s first commercial shipment of fresh Philippine mangoes to Canada, opening a new market for one of the country’s flagship agricultural products. This is apart from the trade promotion events, policy development and advocacy, and capacity building programs of the DTI to support the growth of Philippine exporters.
To keep the momentum, DTI will host the Exporters’ Fair at the SM Megatrade Hall on July 22-26. The event will feature the country’s export and export-ready products across the different sectors.
DTI will also continue to collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to broaden market opportunities for Philippine products. Through targeted export promotion and strategic market expansion initiatives, DTI said it is committed to helping Filipino exporters break into new markets, enhance their global presence, and seize fresh growth opportunities.
