Philippine merchandise exports reached a record $9.87 billion in September 2026, up 35.6% from $7.28 billion a year earlier, driven largely by strong demand for electronic products, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The September figure was the highest monthly export value since the PSA began tracking international trade in 1991.
Electronic products accounted for $6.92 billion, or 70.1% of total merchandise exports, making the sector the country’s largest export contributor.
Earnings from electronics increased by $2.89 billion year on year, representing the biggest gain among commodity groups.
Consumer electronics exports surged 250% compared with September 2025, while semiconductor products and other electronic components also continued to benefit from overseas demand.
Electronic equipment and parts contributed to the increase, with export earnings rising by $64.41 million.
The strong performance helped push total exports to $73.95 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 17.2% from $63.08 billion in the same period last year. The January-to-September figure was also the highest on record.
September marked the 21st consecutive month of year-on-year export growth, with the latest expansion being the strongest during that period.
DTI secretary Cristina Roque attributed the performance to global demand and the competitiveness of Philippine industries.
“Our exporters continue to prove that Philippine products can compete and succeed globally. This record performance reflects strong global demand, the competitiveness of our industries, and the hard work of Filipino businesses, workers, farmers, and manufacturers. More importantly, it means greater opportunities for Filipinos across the country,” Roque said.
Other export commodities that recorded gains included gold, whose earnings increased by $59.52 million.
Other mineral products ranked as the second-largest export commodity group in September, with $333.93 million, or 3.4% of total exports. Machinery and transport equipment followed with $316.54 million, accounting for 3.2%.
The US remained the Philippines’ biggest export market, receiving $2.63 billion worth of goods, equivalent to 26.6% of total exports.
Hong Kong ranked second with $1.55 billion, followed by China with $1.
