Philippine merchandise exports surged 27.8% year-on-year to $9.11 billion in August 2026, with electronic products accounting for more than two-thirds of shipments and driving much of the increase.
Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the August figure was the country’s highest monthly export value in 35 years and marked the 20th consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
Electronic products remained the Philippines’ biggest export commodity, generating $6.20 billion in August, equivalent to 68.1% of total exports.
The sector posted a $2.32-billion increase from the same month last year, the largest year-on-year gain among commodity groups. Electronic equipment and parts separately recorded an increase of $32.09 million.
The electronics sector’s performance came amid continued global demand associated with artificial intelligence and data center investments, which have increased demand for semiconductors and other electronic components.
Manufactured goods, which include electronics, accounted for $7.69 billion or 84.4% of the country’s total exports during the month. Mineral products contributed $800.62 million, or 8.8%, while agro-based products accounted for $455.26 million, or 5%.
Other mineral products were the second-largest export commodity at $393.54 million, representing 4.3% of total shipments, followed by gold at $321.27 million, or 3.5%.
From January to August, Philippine merchandise exports reached $64.04 billion, up 14.8% from $55.80 billion during the same period in 2025.
The United States remained the country’s largest export destination in August, taking in $2.17 billion worth of Philippine goods, or 23.8% of the total. Hong Kong followed with $1.57 billion, China with $1.05 billion, Japan with $704.49 million, and Taiwan with $516.01 million.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Cristina Roque attributed the performance to exporters’ ability to compete in overseas markets.
“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,” Roque said.
While electronics helped propel overall exports, the DTI said some agriculture and agro-processed export industries continued to face supply and logistics constraints.
Roque said the DTI would continue efforts to connect exporters with overseas buyers and help them enter new markets.
