Export sales of $269.089 million were generated at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), underscoring sustained Chinese demand for Philippine food and agricultural products, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said.

The Philippine participation, led by CITEM and housed at the National Exhibition and Convention Center here, featured 19 export-ready Filipino companies alongside the Department of Agriculture’s Halal Food Industry Development Program.

Products showcased included banana chips, coconut-based products, fruit purées and jams, durian, eel, and other tropical foods, aligned with China’s growing preference for healthy, functional foods.

Trade and agriculture officials from both countries attended the opening ceremony, highlighting strong bilateral trade ties.

Among those present were Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan, Ministry of Commerce–Department of Asian Affairs Deputy Director General Yin Gang, and Philippine Consul General in Shanghai Myca Magnolia Fischer, along with senior officials from DTI, DA, and the Philippine Embassy.

Several deals inked

Several Philippine and Chinese firms inked supply agreements on the opening day. Fruta Asiatica Export and Agri-Trading signed a contract with Weihai Pure Fruit Food Technology Co., Ltd. for two million kilograms of fresh durian. At the same time, Shanghai Nam Chow Foods and New Asia Oil Inc. finalized an agreement covering 200 tons of coconut oil.

Other deals included contracts between Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. and Eng Seng Food Products for two million kilograms of young coconuts, and between Gansu Zhongfei Tiancheng Trading Co., Ltd. and Eng Seng Food Products for two million kilograms of fresh and frozen durian. Maylong Enterprises Corp. also secured agreements for 2,000 tons of frozen durian and 5,000 tons of eel.

CITEM said export sales exceeded this year’s target, while trade inquiries reached 547, nearly double projections. Buyer turnout also hit 547, the highest in five years, despite the Philippine pavilion’s new location.

From 2022 to 2025, Philippine participation at CIIE showed steady growth, with export sales peaking at $1.212 billion in 2024 and $1.102 billion in 2023. The 2025 results reflect a recalibration amid stricter customs compliance and temporary supply constraints, particularly for durian, while maintaining strong market engagement.

Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Shanghai Vice Consul Jose Ma. Dinsay said that while durian demand continues to outpace supply capacity, other Filipino products, such as coconut, banana, muscovado sugar, and eel, contributed significantly to this year’s performance, as evidenced by increased buyer inquiries.

DTI-CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo said the agency remains committed to expanding the Philippines’ presence in China, with future participation emphasizing organic, low-sugar, and functional food products to match evolving consumer preferences. She noted that China, the world’s second-largest import market, is projected to exceed $15 trillion in goods and services imports, with agricultural imports reaching $57.1 billion.

CITEM added that buyers from other countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, also expressed interest in Philippine coconut-based products, condiments, and durian during the expo.