Various goods exported to other parts of the world improved by 7.6 percent in May this year, which was welcomed by the Trade Department, stating the development reflects the strength and competitiveness of the country’s exporters.

Based on preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, merchandise exports totaled $7.87 billion in May 2026, up from $7.32 billion in May 2025.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said that to ensure the upward momentum, the DTI is championing a whole-of-government approach to aggressively push and drive our exports through strategic, targeted support programs in partnership with both the public and private sectors.

“Moving forward, we are ensuring a sharper focus on accelerating the growth of our agricultural sector, ensuring that our high-value agri-products and innovative goods are ready to compete on the global stage,” Secretary Roque said.

The PSA said the growth was driven by strong performance of electronic products, machinery and transport equipment, mineral products, gold, coconut oil, and fresh bananas. 

Top export

The top export products recorded double-digit growth rates against the previous year, underscoring strong global demand for Philippine manufactured and agricultural exports.

For the first five months from January to May 2026, Philippine merchandise exports reached $37.87 billion, P3.5 billion more, and higher by 10.6 percent from $34.25 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.

Electronic products remained the country's top export, accounting for more than half of total merchandise exports.

From January to May 2026, electronic products exports reached $20.83 billion, up 17.5 percent from $17.73 billion a year earlier.

Semiconductors continued to drive growth, increasing 19.1 percent to $15.65 billion and reinforcing the Philippines' role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Beyond electronics, several export sectors posted strong gains during the period. Exports of machinery and transport equipment rose 61.3 percent, while gold exports nearly doubled, increasing by 93.6 percent.

Exports of other mineral products expanded 25.6 percent, while fresh banana exports grew 18.2 percent, indicating broad-based growth across the country's export portfolio.

Food sector remains in demand

The food sector also maintained positive momentum, supported by sustained demand for Philippine beverages, processed food products, dairy products, snacks, and other value-added offerings.

Food manufacturers continued expanding their presence in regional and international markets through product innovation and export partnerships.

Meanwhile, the coconut industry remained a steady contributor to export growth. Coconut oil exports increased by 10.3 percent to $1.32 billion from January to May 2026, supported by demand from key markets including the Netherlands, Malaysia, and the United States.

Demand for other coconut-based products also remained stable, supporting the Philippines' position as a reliable supplier of higher-value coconut exports.

The United States remained the country's top export destination from January to May 2026 with $6.68 billion, accounting for 17.6 percent of total exports.

It was followed by Hong Kong ($5.74 billion), Japan ($4.79 billion), the People's Republic of China ($4.17 billion), and Singapore ($1.70 billion).