Exporters Upbeat on Growth This Year

Why It Matters

Higher export volumes will strengthen the Philippines’ trade balance and support its broader economic development plan, while illustrating the impact of strategic FTAs amid rising protectionist pressures.

Key Takeaways

• 2025 exports hit $84.41 billion, 15.2% YoY rise.
• Philippines‑South Korea FTA already active, boosting trade.
• Government targets $116‑120 billion exports this year.
• US imposes 19% tariff, excluding semiconductors and agriculture.
• Exporters seek more funding, lower energy costs, stable policies.

Pulse Analysis

The Philippines’ export surge in 2025 signals a turning point for an economy traditionally reliant on remittances and domestic consumption. By surpassing $84 billion, the country not only set a new historical benchmark but also demonstrated resilience against a 19% U.S. tariff that spared only semiconductors and key agricultural products. This performance underscores the tangible benefits of the Philippines‑South Korea free‑trade agreement, which has already opened new market channels, and highlights the strategic importance of pending trade deals that could further diversify destination markets.

Sectoral analysis reveals that electronics, IT‑BPM services, and staple agricultural commodities such as coconut, banana, and pineapple remain the backbone of export growth. Meanwhile, emerging categories—including garments, footwear, travel goods, and personal‑care items showcased at COSMOPROF 2025—are gaining traction and could broaden the export basket. The government’s ambition to reach $116‑120 billion hinges on scaling these high‑value sectors while maintaining competitive pricing and quality standards that meet global buyer expectations.

Policy makers face a dual challenge: capitalising on trade liberalisation while addressing structural constraints that could erode competitiveness. Exporters have urged the administration to increase financial support, reduce fuel and electricity costs, and ensure transparent, consistent regulations. Reopening the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions’ exhibition halls is a positive step toward market exposure, especially ahead of ASEAN events. Sustained political stability and a clear, long‑term trade strategy will be critical for converting this year’s optimistic outlook into lasting economic gains.

Exporters upbeat on growth this year

Louella Desiderio · February 17, 2026 · 12:00 am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s umbrella organization of exporters is optimistic about export growth this year, citing new free trade agreements (FTAs) and deals being negotiated by the government.

Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) president Sergio Ortiz‑Luis Jr. said the Philippines‑South Korea FTA, which is already in effect, and other free‑trade deals being negotiated by the country, are expected to boost exports.

“These are good indications,” Ortiz‑Luis said in a radio interview.

While the group was concerned about the impact of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on Philippine exports, he said last year’s performance turned out to be better than expected.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the total value of merchandise exports in 2025 reached $84.41 billion, 15.2 percent higher than the $73.27 billion recorded in 2024.

Last year’s export value was also the highest recorded since tracking started in 1991.

The record‑high performance was achieved despite the imposition of a 19 percent tariff by the United States on Philippine exports, excluding semiconductors and key agricultural goods.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government is aiming for higher export performance this year, banking on the country’s FTAs to open new markets for exporters.

“We’re really hoping for better numbers actually this year,” Roque said.

In line with the Philippine Development Plan, the country is aiming for total exports covering both goods and services to reach $116 billion to $120 billion this year.

“We expect electronics, IT‑BPM (information technology – business process management) and key food exports such as coconut, banana and pineapple products to continue driving growth,” Roque said.

She said the government is also working to develop new export winners such as garments, footwear and travel goods or handbags. These products showed strong momentum in 2025 and are seen as promising contributors moving forward.

She also expects personal‑care products to contribute to the export performance, following the country’s recent successful participation in international beauty trade show COSMOPROF 2025.

“The Marcos administration has been very aggressive in negotiating FTAs to ensure our exporters gain access to more markets,” she said.

While Philexport has an optimistic outlook on export performance this year, Ortiz‑Luis made a renewed appeal for increased government funding to support the sector.

According to Ortiz‑Luis, the recent move to reopen the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions’ exhibition halls is a positive development for exporters.

“That would be a very good thing especially as we host ASEAN. That (is important for) showcasing our products,” he said.

Beyond funding, he cited the need to address the high cost of fuel and electricity and to provide an environment that will allow exporters to succeed through transparency, consistent policies and political stability.