By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Merchandise exports maintained strong momentum in October 2025, rising 19.4 percent year-on-year to approximately US$7.39 billion. This marks the tenth consecutive month of growth, underscoring the resilience of Philippine trade after two years of slowdown amid global headwinds.
From January to October 2025, total merchandise exports reached US$70.43 billion, up 13.8 percent from US$61.90 billion during the same period last year. Electronics remained the country’s top export category, accounting for more than half of total shipments in October. Gains were also recorded in machinery, transport equipment, and gold, indicating a broader recovery beyond traditional electronic exports.
The strong export performance contributed to a narrowing of the trade deficit, which fell 34.2 percent to US$3.83 billion in October compared to the same month in 2024, as imports dropped 6.5 percent to US$11.22 billion. Analysts note that while the reduced deficit is a positive sign, the country continues to rely heavily on imported goods and raw materials, highlighting the need for policies that strengthen domestic production and export capacity.
The 2025 National Exporters’ Week (NEW), running from December 1 to 4, highlights the country’s export recovery and provides a platform for businesses to access global markets. Exhibits feature high-quality Philippine products and services, while sessions focus on market opportunities, standards compliance, and logistics, including support for women-led and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Recent trade missions to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have reported heightened buyer interest in Philippine products such as food items, coconut derivatives, electronics, beauty and wellness products, and creative services. These developments reinforce the sector’s positive outlook heading into the final quarter of 2025.
While merchandise exports continue to grow, detailed services export data for 2025 is not yet publicly available. Industry observers note that key sectors such as IT-BPM, transport, and travel remain largely stable compared to previous years.
At the opening of NEW 2025, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the export ecosystem. She highlighted initiatives aimed at digitalization, streamlined processes, and expanded market access, particularly for MSMEs, in line with the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023–2028. “The PEDP embodies a collective vision that requires the active participation of every stakeholder,” Roque said. “To realize this vision, we must continue to strengthen our export ecosystem, which is the foundation of a dynamic and thriving export industry.”
Organized by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, the Export Development Council (EDC), and PHILEXPORT, NEW 2025 reinforces the Philippines’ ambition to position its businesses as competitive players in the global trade arena, while providing practical support to MSMEs that form the backbone of the economy.