Philippine merchandise exports continued their upward trajectory in July 2026, with January to July recording the highest export value for the first seven months of a year since 1991.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the record marks 19 consecutive months of expansion; the sustained growth builds on the Marcos Jr. administration’s continued push to expand the country’s global trade footprint.

The export record follows a record-breaking 2025, when full-year exports reached $84.48 billion — a 15.3 percent year-on-year increase and the strongest export performance in the country’s history.

The momentum also reflects cumulative gains from the DTI’s intensified efforts to support local exporters by exposing them to international markets, connecting Filipino businesses with foreign buyers, and helping them meet global standards.

According to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), export sales reached $8.15 billion in July 2026, up 10.8 percent from $7.36 billion recorded during the same month last year.

From January to July 2026, total merchandise exports rose 12.9 percent year-on-year to $54.92 billion from $48.67 billion in 2025, marking the highest January-to-July export value recorded since the PSA began its current data series in 1991.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the sustained growth, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to bringing more Filipino businesses into global markets.

“The true value of our resource is not only what we harvest, but what we create from all the products that we have here in the country. But we must continue to make sure that we exhaust the full and maximum potential of all of these products,” Secretary Roque said.

“Our exporters continue to demonstrate that Philippine products and services can compete globally. The DTI will get Filipino products abroad — we will not let up until every capable business finds its place in the global market,” she added.

“To sustain this momentum, we will continue to prioritize trade promotion efforts that elevate the visibility of Philippine brands in the global market. We will continue to open doors for our exporters by giving Filipino businesses more opportunities to meet foreign buyers, provide tailored and targeted assistance to help them understand and comply with international market requirements, and bring their products to new and emerging markets,” according to Roque.

She said that successful exporting requires more than quality products, noting that businesses must understand consumer preferences, position their brands effectively, and build lasting buyer relationships.

Electronic products remained the country’s primary export driver in July, generating $4.79 billion and accounting for 58.8 percent of total sales. Other manufactured goods followed at $371.46 million, while mineral products reached $366.26 million.

Electronics also posted the largest annual increase among commodity groups, growing by $869.72 million. Gold exports followed with a $79.34 million increase, while electronic equipment and parts grew by $71.81 million.

Overall, manufactured goods represented the largest export category in July at $6.61 billion, or 81.1 percent of total exports. Mineral products contributed $776.61 million (9.5 percent), and agricultural products accounted for $548.95 million (6.7 percent).

US a top market

The United States remained the largest buyer of Philippine goods in July, absorbing $1.68 billion or 20.7 percent of total exports. Hong Kong followed with $1.29 billion (15.9 percent), the People’s Republic of China with $919.82 million (11.3 percent), Japan with $856.60 million (10.5 percent), and Singapore with $401.17 million (4.9 percent).

To broaden the international reach of local enterprises, the DTI continues to organize overseas trade fairs, business-matching missions, and market-entry initiatives. During the first half of 2026, the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau assisted over 3,200 exporters to access more than 20 markets.