Manila: Merchandise exports from the Philippines saw a significant rise of 14.5 percent on an annual basis by the end of November, reaching USD77.4 billion. This figure has already surpassed the entire 2024 export level of USD73.27 billion.
According to Philippines News Agency, data released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday indicated that November 2025 alone witnessed exports climbing by 21.3 percent to USD6.9 billion. This growth was largely fueled by sectors such as electronics, agro-based products, and consumer goods. The DTI noted that this increase extended export growth to 11 consecutive months, marking the third straight month of double-digit gains. The strengthening export performance played a crucial role in narrowing the trade deficit by 9.9 percent, as the growth in imports slowed down.
Electronics exports showed a remarkable increase, jumping 50.6 percent to USD4.2 billion. Coconut product exports grew by 27.1 percent to over USD70 million, while bananas and pineapple juice exports surged by 38.8 percent and 40 percent, respectively, contributing a combined USD46 million. Additionally, gold exports rose by 50.7 percent to USD181.8 million; machinery and transport equipment increased by 29.4 percent to USD317 million. Non-food consumer goods also saw significant growth, with furniture and fixtures rising 65.9 percent, footwear 28.6 percent, travel goods 28.3 percent, and garments 11.2 percent.
The primary destinations for these exports last month included Hong Kong and the United States, each receiving USD1.2 billion. The Netherlands and Taiwan imported a combined USD330 million, while Germany took in USD295.9 million. Exports to Malaysia, Mexico, and Italy each grew by over 50 percent. Notably, exports to Canada tripled to USD1.6 billion, and those to Australia reached USD1.7 billion.
The DTI emphasized that the continued rise in exports underscores the competitiveness of Filipino-made products on the global stage. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted that the exceptional growth in electronics, food products, and consumer goods reflects an increasing global demand, which supports jobs and incomes and provides broader opportunities for exporters.
DTI-Export Marketing Bureau Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte attributed this positive trend to improved market access, especially for agricultural products. She noted the impact of the US reciprocal tariff exemption on key Philippine agriculture products, which offers a more level playing field for Filipino food exporters in the US market. In conjunction with strategic export development and promotion initiatives, there is optimism for sustained momentum in food exports, paving the way for more inclusive growth.
