Philippine merchandise exports reached a 35-year high of USD 9.11 billion in August 2026, surging 27.8% from the same month last year and marking the 20th consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
The August performance was the country’s highest monthly export value in the last 35 years, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It was nearly USD 2 billion higher than the USD 8.16 billion recorded in August 2025.
From January to August 2026, merchandise exports reached USD 64.04 billion, up 14.8% from USD 55.80 billion in the same period last year.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque welcomed the record performance and highlighted that the Department will continue providing end-to- end, strategic and focused support to help more Philippine businesses maximize opportunities and strengthen the presence of Philippine products in the global market.
“Filipino exporters continue to demonstrate their capability to compete and succeed globally. This 35-year high builds on the sustained export growth we have achieved since last year, proving that the international market is ready and eager for Philippine products. The DTI remains firmly committed to helping our businesses meet local and global standards, connect with buyers, penetrate new markets, and establish a Philippine brand that reflects the trust of the global market in Filipino products,” Secretary Roque said.
Electronic products drove the August increase, posting a USD 2.32 billion year-on-year gain—the largest among commodity groups. They remained the country’s top export at USD 6.20 billion, accounting for 68.1% of total exports during the month.
Other mineral products followed at USD 393.54 million, or 4.3% of total exports, while gold reached USD 321.27 million, or 3.5%. Gold and electronic equipment and parts also recorded year-on-year increases of USD 41.83 million and USD 32.09 million, respectively.
Manufactured goods accounted for the largest share of August exports at USD 7.69 billion, or 84.4% of the total. Mineral products contributed USD 800.62 million, or 8.8%, while agro-based products reached USD 455.26 million, or 5.0%.
The United States remained the Philippines’ largest export market, receiving USD 2.17 billion worth of Philippine goods in August, equivalent to 23.8% of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong at USD 1.57 billion, the People’s Republic of China at USD 1.05 billion, Japan at USD 704.49 million, and Taiwan at USD 516.01 million.
The electronics sector drove much of the overall increase amid sustained global demand linked to artificial intelligence and data centers. At the same time, some agriculture and agro-processed export sectors continued to face supply and logistical challenges. The DTI is monitoring these conditions and working with the private sector to address these concerns.
To help exporters find new buyers and diversify their markets, the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) continued its overseas promotion activities in August.
Eleven Philippine food companies joined the country’s first national participation in Fine Food Australia, which opened in Melbourne on August 31. The Philippine Pavilion gave exhibitors an opportunity to present halal-certified, healthy, natural and premium products to buyers from Australia and the broader Oceania region.
“Trade promotion must lead to real sales, repeat orders and long-term partnerships for our exporters. Through our overseas trade offices and export programs, we will continue helping businesses understand what buyers need, improve their products, and turn international exposure into sustained export growth,” Secretary Roque added.
For information on Philippine exports, visit tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.
