Exporters forecast better 2026 prospect

Exporters forecast better 2026 prospect | Daily Tribune

Traders gave a positive outlook for merchandise exports this year, which grew 14.5 percent year over year in end-November 2025 to $77.4 billion, already exceeding the $73.27 billion posted for the full year of 2024.

“Our export performance in the past four months has really been encouraging amidst the generally bearish global demand,” Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), the umbrella organization of local exporters, commented.

“At this rate, we have already surpassed the revised 2025 target for goods exports which is $73.27 billion that will contribute to the overall export target of $129.05 billion. This is seen to be sustained up to this year, a momentum we hope can help us reach the revised total export target of $134.35 billion in 2026,” he added.

Data released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showed that for November 2025 alone, exports rose 21.3 percent to $6.9 billion, driven by electronics, agro-based products, and consumer goods.

“This extended export growth to 11 consecutive months and marked the third straight month of double-digit gains,” the DTI said. “The stronger export performance helped narrow the trade deficit by 9.9 percent, as import growth slowed.”

50.6% chip exports growth

Coconut products exports rose 27.1 percent to over $70 million; banana up by 38.8 percent and pineapple juice by 40 percent, with a combined $46 million contribution; gold, up 50.7 percent to $181.8 million; machinery and transport equipment, up 29.4 percent to $317 million; and non-food consumer goods such as furniture and fixtures, up 65.9 percent; footwear, up 28.6 percent; travel goods, up 28.3 percent and garments, up 11.2 percent.

Top destinations of these products in November were Hong Kong, United States, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico and Italy.

The DTI said the continued rise in exports showed that Filipino-made products remain competitive worldwide.

“The remarkable growth in electronics, food products, and consumer goods reflects growing global demand and supports jobs, incomes, and wider opportunities for our exporters,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

DTI-Export Marketing Bureau director Bianca Pearl Sykimte traced the positive development to enhanced market access, particularly for agricultural products.

“The US reciprocal tariff exemption on key Philippine agriculture products provides a more level playing field for our food exporters in the US market. Coupled with gains in other markets from strategic export development and promotion initiatives, we see continued momentum for food exports and a more inclusive growth ahead,” she said.