The Philippine delegation generated $269 million in export sales during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, officials said Friday.
Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippine pavilion featured 19 export-ready companies. The showcase focused on banana chips, coconut products, fruit purées, durian, and eel to tap into a growing Chinese demand for organic and functional foods.
The 2025 results reflect a shift toward broader product recognition and market resilience despite stricter customs requirements and temporary supply constraints for durian. Export sales for the Philippine delegation previously peaked at $1.21 billion in 2024 and $1.1 billion in 2023.
CITEM executive-director Leah Pulido Ocampo said future participation would prioritize organic and low-sugar products to meet evolving consumer preferences.
The event recorded 547 trade inquiries, nearly doubling the initial target, and saw the highest buyer turnout in 5 years.
Several major commercial agreements were finalized during the expo. Fruta Asiatica Export and Agri-Trading signed a deal with Weihai Pure Fruit Food Technology Co. Ltd. for 2 million kilograms of fresh durian.
Shanghai Nam Chow Foods and New Asia Oil Inc. reached an agreement for 200 tons of coconut oil.
Other firms securing contracts included Eng Seng Food Products for young coconuts and durian, and Maylong Enterprises Corp. for frozen durian and eel.
PTIC–Shanghai vice consul Jose Ma. Dinsay noted that while durian remains a staple, there is significant buyer interest in muscovado sugar and coconut-based items.
Beyond the Chinese market, buyers from the United Kingdom, Italy, Singapore and Saudi Arabia also inquired about Philippine agricultural exports.
The Department of Trade and Industry and CITEM organized the 2025 participation under the FOODPhilippines banner.
The initiative was held in partnership with PHILEXPORT and co-organized with the Department of Agriculture and PTIC–Shanghai.
