Exporters are calling for additional government support as rising fuel prices threaten to erode the country’s trade competitiveness despite recent policy interventions.

The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) said higher oil costs are already feeding into logistics, shipping, and production expenses, creating immediate pressure on exporters—particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The group welcomed the government’s recent measures, including the declaration of a national energy emergency and a new law allowing the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products. These steps, it said, could help soften the impact of global oil price spikes driven by tensions in the Middle East.

PHILEXPORT President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. described the energy emergency declaration as a “proactive stance” to stabilize fuel prices and secure supply. The group also said the tax relief measure would “cushion the impact of double-digit fuel price hikes on exporters, manufacturers, logistics providers and consumers.”

Still, the organization warned that cost pressures remain significant. “Disruptions in global supply chains and freight routes further compound these pressures, particularly for time-sensitive and energy-intensive export sectors,” it said.

Ortiz-Luis noted that rising fuel costs have triggered a chain reaction across industries, affecting everything from transport to power and manufacturing. “For exporters, especially MSMEs, transport and logistics costs are a major component of overall expenses. Any relief on fuel costs will help preserve competitiveness in already volatile global markets,” he said.

To address these challenges, PHILEXPORT urged the government to introduce targeted relief measures, including fuel subsidies, reduced port and toll fees, and faster implementation of trade digitalization programs. It also called for closer coordination with logistics providers to prevent excessive rate increases.

“The ability of the President to suspend or reduce taxes on fuel can help cut operating costs, prevent further price pass-through, and ultimately protect jobs and livelihoods,” Ortiz-Luis added.

The group emphasized that short-term relief should be paired with long-term reforms, including investments in energy security, logistics efficiency, and alternative fuels, to better shield the export sector from future external shocks.