Philippines Trade Trends Sep 2026

According to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), during September 2026 the country’s exports increased by 35.6 per cent year-on-year to USD 9.8 billion, supported primarily by strong demand for electronic products, which rose by 72 per cent. Additional notable export gains were recorded in gold, which rose by 24 per cent, whereas machinery and transport equipment export saw a decrease of 5 per cent.

In terms of export destinations, the United States remained the Philippines’ largest market, accounting for 26.6 per cent of total exports, followed by China at 11.3 per cent, Vietnam at 8 per cent, and Japan at 6.3 per cent.

On the import side, total purchases rose by 25.7 per cent to USD 11.9 billion. This increase was mainly driven by higher imports of electronic products, which grew by 87 per cent, alongside stronger demand for mineral fuels by 53 per cent and cereals and cereal preparations by 23 per cent. China remained the country’s largest source of imports with a 22.3 per cent share, followed by Indonesia with 6.6 per cent and Japan with a 6.3 per cent.

For the first quarter of 2026, the trade deficit amounted to USD 5.2 billion, showing an increment 10.3 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year.

In its latest outlook, the International Monetary Fund estimated Philippines GDP growth rate to be 5.6 per cent in 2026.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a political and economic union with a population of 667 million and a combined GDP of USD 4.2 trillion in 2025, continues to play a central role in regional trade dynamics.