The Philippines’ export sector continues to show strong expansion, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reporting double-digit growth in key industries and sustained upward momentum in early 2026.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque said exports grew by 15.4% last year, marking the country’s strongest performance on record. She added that growth continued into this year, with export expansion reaching 7.9% in January and 8% in February.
“Utos din ng Pangulo [Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.] is to develop, is to have a fund to grow the export because now, ang laki talaga ng potential ng Philippine products in the global market,” Roque said.
Roque attributed the sustained performance to improved global market access through free trade agreements (FTAs), which have reduced tariffs and strengthened the competitiveness of Philippine products abroad.
The country’s export portfolio remains led by semiconductors, minerals, and automotive products, while agriculture has emerged as a key growth driver with double-digit gains.
Coconut products remained a standout performer, generating $3.5 billion in exports last year, a 34.4% increase. Other agricultural exports such as bananas, pineapples, ube, and calamansi are also gaining traction in international markets.
“Marami po talagang produkto ng coconut. And not just that, pineapples, bananas, and we now see rising stars in ube, calamansi. In fact, ang Starbucks London nag-launch ng ube drink," she explained.
Roque said the government is supporting exporters through a ₱3 billion expansion fund designed to help firms scale up production, particularly those securing larger overseas purchase orders.
The program offers financing of up to ₱5 million with no collateral and a one-year grace period on principal and interest payments.
She also noted three pending FTAs with the European Union, Canada, and Chile, which are expected to further broaden Philippine market access once finalized.
Roque said the combined effect of trade agreements, financing support, and rising global demand is strengthening the country’s long-term export outlook, while also encouraging growth among small and medium enterprises entering international markets.
“Let's not forget, a lot of the big ones have started as small. So, huwag natin maliitin ang maliit na negosyo kasi talagang malaki po ang potential nito. So, we are really pushing the export," she said.
