The Philippines’ agricultural trade deficit narrowed in November 2025 as exports rose to $806.18 million, while imports remained higher at $1.61 billion, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported. This resulted in a trade gap of $806.34 million.
Total agricultural trade in November 2025 reached $2.42 billion, a 2.3 percent annual increase. This followed a 2.2 percent annual decrease in October 2025 and a 13.5 percent increase in November 2024.
Exports accounted for 33.3 percent of total agricultural trade and 11.7percent of the country’s total merchandise exports. This reflects an 18.9 percent increase from $677.89 million in November 2024. Imports represented 66.7 percent of total agricultural trade, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on foreign agricultural goods.
The $806.34 million trade deficit narrowed by 20 percent year over year. In comparison, the trade deficits in October 2025 and November 2024 recorded annual declines of 9.9 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.
In regional markets, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations remained a key destination for Philippine agricultural exports. Total exports to ASEAN member countries reached $64.20 million, with Malaysia emerging as the top buyer at $6.57 million, or 25.8 percent of agricultural exports to the region.
The leading export commodity to ASEAN was tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes, specifically products intended for inhalation without combustion. This was followed by animal and vegetable fats and oils at $6.28 million, and miscellaneous edible preparations at $5.27 million.
Among European Union partners, agricultural exports totaled $227.43 million, accounting for 26.3 percent of total exports to EU countries. The Netherlands remained the top destination, receiving $142.85 million, or 62.8 percent of agricultural exports to the EU in November 2025.
The Philippines imported $63.55 million in agricultural goods from EU member countries, representing 20.1 percent of total EU imports. Spain was the top supplier, contributing $38.22 million, or 23.4 percent of EU agricultural imports.
