Philippine exports continued their upward trajectory in July, climbing 17.3% year-on-year to $ 7.34 billion, fueled largely by the strong performance of the electronics sector, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
Electronics shipments surged 24.5% to $ 3.92 billion, cementing its position as the country’s top export. The growth was led by semiconductors and integrated circuits, which remain in high demand globally for use in consumer electronics, vehicles, and digital devices.
The sector’s gains marked the seventh consecutive month of overall export expansion and the third straight month of double-digit growth, reversing the slump seen in late 2024.
From January to July, total exports rose 13.9% to $ 48.62 billion, up from $ 42.69 billion in the same period last year.
Other growth drivers included mineral products, up 7.1% to $ 522.39 million, and other manufactured goods, which rose 5.6% to $ 395.77 million.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Cristina A. Roque welcomed the figures, saying the electronics-led growth underscores the resilience of Philippine exporters but also highlights the need to diversify.
“The consistent rise in our exports, particularly in electronics and minerals, shows the strength of Filipino enterprises in a challenging global trading environment,” Roque said. “We are also working to expand the export base and ensure more sectors benefit from global opportunities.”
The United States remained the top destination for Philippine goods in July, accounting for 15.8% of shipments ($ 1.16 billion), followed by Hong Kong (15.2%), Japan (13.6%), China (11.3%), and the Netherlands (4.3%).
Export Marketing Bureau director Bianca Pearl Sykimte said the government is encouraging exporters to tap new markets.
“Beyond our traditional partners, we are pursuing opportunities in Europe, Asean, and the Middle East through trade promotions and digital platforms like PHX Source and the FTA Integrated Portal,” she noted.
