PHILIPPINE merchandise exports reached a 35-year high of USD 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.
Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indic ates the figure is nearly USD 2 billion higher than the USD 8.16 billion recorded in August 2025.
From January to August 2026, total merchandise exports reached USD 64.04 billion, representing a 14.8% increase from the previous year.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque welcomed the milestone, emphasizing the global competitiveness of Filipino businesses.
Electronic products drove the August increase, posting a USD 2.32 billion year-on-year gain and remaining the country’s top export at USD 6.20 billion, or 68.1% of the total.
Other top contributors included mineral products at USD 393.54 million and gold at USD 321.27 million.
Manufactured goods accounted for the largest sectoral share at USD 84.4%, followed by mineral and agro-based products.
The United States remained the Philippines’ premier export market, absorbing USD 2.17 billion worth of goods, or 23.8% of the total. It was followed by Hong Kong, China, Japan, and Taiwan.
The electronics boom was largely fueled by sustained global demand linked to artificial intelligence and data centers, while the DTI actively monitored logistical challenges in select agricultural sectors.
To foster market diversification, the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau spearheaded overseas promotional initiatives, including the country’s inaugural national participation at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne, where eleven local food enterprises showcased halal-certified and premium products.
Secretary Roque reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting businesses in meeting international standards and securing long-term global partnerships.