Philippine exports may hit record high this year—Business groups

MANILA—The value of Philippine exports is seen to grow further this year and possibly even exceed the 2026 target of $74.27 billion for exports of goods.

Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said total merchandise exports continue to rise and can breach both the target and last year’s figure if no major disruption happens in the last quarter of 2026.

In 2025, total export sales hit $84.48 billion, which is the highest recorded since the Philippine Statistics Authority started collecting export data in 1991.

“[In the] second quarter, our exports grew by 27 percent, and it even overshadowed our growth of 15 percent last year. This is despite the tariff that was levied on us,” Ortiz-Luis said at the press conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

From January to August 2026, total value of exports is already $64.04 billion, also the highest year-to-date total value of exports since 1991.

He attributed the growth to many factors like the addition of free trade agreements and the US tariff exemption on some products.

“Yung electronics was exempted from the tariff pa, so lumaki. Naging 60 percent sila, they grew. Plus yung mineral exports natin,” he added.

Ortiz-Luis, however, said that they remain guarded, particularly because of the changing trade policies of US President Donald Trump.

For the month of August 2026, PSA data showed that electronic products remained the top Philippine exports valued at $6.20 billion, followed by other mineral products, gold, other manufactured goods, and machinery and transport equipment.

PCCI President Perry Ferrer also said there is growth in exports, particularly in the electronics and semiconductor sector. 

“Majority [of electronics exports] are based on AI-related technology.”

Ferrer added that more foreign investors are looking at the Philippines now. He said, “Look at all the business visitors we have, up, up talaga. Look at our foreign chambers meeting here, every twice a week.”

PCCI officials said exports and other economic issues will be discussed at the upcoming 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo on October 13-14, 2026 in Manila.