DTI ramping up support for exporters

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February 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is strengthening efforts to support exporters this year to sustain the sector’s growth after its strong performance in 2025.

“Building on this strong finish, the DTI will intensify efforts to help exporters reach more markets,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement.

“Our goal is to make exporting simpler and more rewarding, ensuring that the wealth generated from global trade translates into more jobs and better opportunities for every Filipino family,” she said.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s merchandise exports rose by 15.2 percent to $84.41 billion in 2025 from $73.27 billion in 2024.

Last year’s total was the highest exports value recorded since the series began in 1991.

In December 2025, exports of goods reached $6.99 billion, 23.3 percent higher from a year ago.

The DTI said the strong exports performance last year supports the domestic economy.

“When our products reach international shores, the benefits flow directly back to our communities,” Roque said.

Higher export demand allows local factories and farms to expand, which leads to more stable jobs and higher income.

The export growth’s ripple effect is also felt across various sectors including technology and manufacturing and agriculture.

More than half or 57.8 percent of electronic exports in December 2025 were driven by demand for artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, increased shipments of bananas and coconut products from the Philippines are helping increase farmers’ incomes.

The DTI said the strong export performance also shows Philippine exporters are ready to cater to demand and benefit from improving world markets.

To help sustain the sector’s growth, the DTI will continue to closely watch trade shifts and potential new tariffs on specialty electronics that could affect export performance.

The DTI will also focus on efforts to improve ease of doing business and market access.