Philippine merchandise exports reached a record high of $9.87 billion in September, growing by 35.6 percent from $7.28 billion in the same month last year and posting the highest monthly export value since the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) began tracking international trade in 1991.

Preliminary PSA data also showed that September marked the 21st consecutive month of export growth, with the latest expansion the strongest during that period.

This sustained upward trajectory builds on the Marcos Jr. administration's continued push to expand the country's global trade presence, reflecting the Department of Trade and Industry's intensified efforts to support local exporters.

From January to September, total merchandise exports reached $73.95 billion, up 17.2 percent from $63.08 billion in the same period last year. This milestone also marks the highest January-to-September export value on record.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized that the Department remains firmly committed to providing end-to-end, strategic, and focused support to help Filipino enterprises maximize global opportunities.

“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.

She added that the DTI will continue opening doors for local enterprises by providing tailored assistance, helping them comply with international standards, and connecting them directly with foreign buyers. “Trade promotion must lead to sales, repeat orders, and long-term partnerships,” she added.

Electronic products remained the leading export, earning $6.92 billion in September and accounting for 70.1 percent of total merchandise exports.

The sector also recorded the largest year-on-year increase among commodity groups, with export earnings rising by $2.89 billion, driving much of overall export expansion.

Within the electronics sector, consumer electronics surged by 250 percent compared to the same month last year, alongside continued demand for Philippine semiconductor products and other electronic components.

Other products that contributed to export growth included electronic equipment and parts, with earnings increasing by $64.41 million, and gold, with earnings rising by $59.52 million.

Meanwhile, other mineral products ranked as the country's second-largest export commodity group at $333.93 million, accounting for 3.4 percent of total exports, followed by machinery and transport equipment at $316.54 million, or 3.2 percent.

The United States remained the Philippines' largest export market in September, receiving $2.63 billion worth of Philippine goods, equivalent to 26.6 percent of total exports.

It was followed by Hong Kong at $1.55 billion, the People's Republic of China at $1.12 billion, Vietnam at $785.15 million, and Japan at $619.17 million.

Building on the country's export momentum, the DTI will be holding the biggest gathering of exporters, buyers, industry leaders, and trade support institutions at the Philippine Exporters' Trade Exposition & Forum 2026 on 4-8 November 2026 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. DTI Comms