The Philippines’ strong export performance in 2025 underscores a strong comeback, signaling a strengthening of the domestic economy, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Based on preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA),
the country’s exports hit USD6.99 billion in December, a 23.3 percent jump from the previous year. This was the third month in a row that export numbers posted growth. For the full year, exports reached USD84.41 billion, a significant 15.2 percent increase over USD73.27 billion in 2024.
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Category
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Dec 2025 Value
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Key Drivers
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Electronics
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$4.04 Billion
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AI gadgets, EV parts, smart devices
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Manufactured Goods
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$5.59 Billion
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Industrial chemicals, high-tech components
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Agro-Based
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$732 Million
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Bananas, coconut products
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Mineral Products
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$515 Million
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Nickel for clean energy
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DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said that a strong export industry means a strong domestic industry capable of generating more local jobs and boosting family spending power. Higher export demand fuels the expansion of local factories and farms, which in turn creates more stable jobs and increases the disposable income available to Filipino households.
Roque emphasized that this growth is a testament to the resilience of the Filipino workforce. “When our products reach international shores, the benefits flow directly back to our communities,” Secretary Roque said. “Building on this strong finish, the DTI will intensify efforts to help exporters reach more markets. Our goal is to make exporting simpler and more rewarding, ensuring that the wealth generated from global trade translates into more jobs and better opportunities for every Filipino family.”
The ripple effect of this export growth is felt across various sectors:
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Tech & Manufacturing: The USD4.04 billion or 57.8 percent of total exports for the month in electronic exports were driven by demand for AI and electric vehicles—means sustained operations for Philippine economic zones, providing high-value technical jobs for the local workforce.
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Agriculture & Rural Wealth: Increased shipments of bananas to Japan and South Korea, and the global “plant-based” trend boosting coconut products, provide a direct income lift for farmers in the provinces. Lower tariffs and higher demand mean better prices at the farm gate.
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Green Energy: As a top supplier of nickel for the world’s clean energy transition, the Philippines is positioning its mining sector as a critical player in the global supply chain, inviting more investment into local infrastructure.
The US remained as the country’s top buyer in December at USD1.10 billion (15.7% of total exports), followed by Hong Kong, Japan, China, and Singapore.
The DTI highlights that these record numbers prove Philippine exporters are more than ready to ride the wave of improving world markets. To protect this momentum, the DTI is staying vigilant against global trade shifts and potential new tariffs on specialty electronics, ensuring local industries remain resilient.
This proactive stance, paired with a focus on the “Ease of Doing Business” and expanded market access, fuels the department’s optimistic 2026 outlook—a commitment to keeping the export streak alive and ensuring the “Tatak Pinoy” brand continues to bring tangible prosperity and more jobs back home.
