Philippine merchandise exports rose to $7.1 billion in January 2026, extending growth to 13 consecutive months, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The figure marked a 7.9 percent increase from $6.6 billion in January last year and the highest level since October 2025.
Phl exports backbone
Manufactured goods remained the backbone of Philippine exports, totaling $5.6 billion or 79.3 percent of overall shipments. Within this category, electronic products led the way, generating more than $4 billion and accounting for 56.5 percent of total exports.
Mineral products contributed $732.3 million, supported by the resumption of nickel ore shipments, while gold exports reached $488.8 million.
Agro-based products brought in $573.8 million, boosted by higher banana output and stronger prices for desiccated coconut. Machinery and transport equipment added $383.2 million.
More than 70 percent of exports were shipped to markets covered by Free Trade Agreements and Generalized Schemes of Preferences under the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Steady global demand for Phl goods
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the results reflect steady global demand for Philippine goods.
“The broad-based gains across electronics, minerals and agro-based products demonstrate that Filipino products are already consumed and recognized globally, reflecting the high quality and reliability of our industries,” Roque said.
Deepening market reach through FTA network
“We will build on this performance by further deepening market reach through our expanded FTA (free trade agreement) network, strengthening value chains, and enhancing exporter support to secure steady growth throughout the year,” she added.
The United States remained the largest export market at $1.2 billion, followed by Hong Kong, Japan, China, and South Korea.