THE Philippines is preparing for further export expansion this year, following a record performance in merchandise exports in 2025, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said over the weekend.
Preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority data show that total merchandise exports reached $84.41 billion in 2025, the highest level since the data series began in 1991 and an increase of 15.2 percent from the previous year.
This surpassed the $73.27 billion recorded in 2024 and helped narrow the national trade deficit to its lowest level in four years.
“Last year set a record, and with our free trade agreements, we can still push exports higher,” Roque said, noting that new trade agreements continue to open new markets for Philippine products.
The PSA said that in December 2025, export sales rose 23.3 percent to $6.99 billion. Electronic products remained the primary export pillar during the month, accounting for 57.8 percent of total earnings at $4.04 billion, followed by other manufactured goods and machinery and transport equipment.
The United States emerged as the top destination for Philippine goods in December, receiving 15.7 percent of exports valued at $1.10 billion. Hong Kong, Japan, China and Singapore rounded out the top 5 trading partners for the period.
“This also gives confidence to industries to explore opportunities in different countries, and we’re actively joining trade shows abroad,” Roque said.
The DTI is focusing on seven key sectors to create further export opportunities. Looking ahead to ASEAN 2026, the Philippines will host regional trade ministers to showcase local products and facilitate meetings with domestic business leaders.
Total imports rose 4.7 percent to $133.57 billion in 2025, resulting in a narrowed trade deficit of $49.17 billion compared to the $54.33 billion gap in 2024. December imports reached $10.52 billion, a 7.1 percent increase from the same month in 2024.
Electronic products led import growth in December, followed by telecommunication equipment and mineral fuels. For the full year, the $133.57 billion in imports represented the highest level since 2022.
China remained the largest supplier of imported goods in December, providing 28.4 percent of the total at a value of $2.98 billion. By type of goods, capital equipment comprised the largest share of imports at 33.6 percent, followed by raw materials and intermediate goods.
