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The Philippine Exporters Confederation is seeking temporary relief measures targeted at high fuel and logistics costs
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The association is urging government to implement targeted support for exporters to complement its energy emergency measures to mitigate effects of rising fuel prices
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It is recommending acceleration of trade facilitation and digitalization efforts to reduce non-energy costs, and close coordination with logistics providers to prevent excessive or speculative rate increases
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PHILEXPORT is also encouraging exporters to continue or expand energy-efficient practices, optimize supply chains, and explore alternative markets and transport strategies to help mitigate risks
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) is seeking temporary relief mechanisms for high fuel and logistics costs even as it welcomed government’s declaration of a state of national energy emergency in response to escalating global energy risks arising from the Middle East conflict.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 24 signed Executive Order No. 110, declaring the state of national energy emergency, and providing energy supply management to safeguard the stability and adequacy of the country’s energy supply and mitigate the adverse effects of disruptions in global energy supply markets.
PHILEXPORT in a statement said it is urging government to implement targeted support for exporters to complement its energy emergency measures, including waiver of government shares in port and toll fees, as well as swift implementation of fuel subsidy programs.
“We recognize that the government’s proactive stance aims to ensure energy security, stabilize fuel prices, and safeguard the economy from further external shocks,” the association said, noting recent measures such as intensified energy conservation protocols, contingency planning, and proposed emergency powers to manage fuel costs that underscore the urgency of addressing volatility in global oil markets.
For exporters, however, PHILEXPORT said the implications are “immediate and significant.”
Rising fuel prices, the group explained, directly translate to higher logistics, shipping, and production costs, “potentially eroding the competitiveness of Philippine exports in an already challenging global market.”
Moreover, PHILEXPORT said disruptions in global supply chains and freight routes further compound these pressures, particularly for time-sensitive and energy-intensive export sectors.
In light of these, PHILEXPORT urges the government to complement its energy emergency measures with targeted support for the export sector.
It is recommending the acceleration of trade facilitation and digitalization efforts to reduce non-energy costs, and close coordination with logistics providers to prevent excessive or speculative rate increases.
At the same time, PHILEXPORT also encourages exporters to continue or expand energy-efficient practices, optimize supply chains, and explore alternative markets and transport strategies to help mitigate risks.
PHILEXPORT said it stands ready to work closely with government and industry stakeholders “to ensure that the Philippines not only weathers this energy crisis but emerges more resilient, competitive, and sustainable in the global trading environment.”
