Philippine trade deficit reaches US$5.15 billion in September
Imports, exports and total goods trade each reached their highest September values in the series dating to 1991, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Philippines recorded a goods trade shortfall of US$5.15 billion in September 2026, according to preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) figures published on October 30. The agency reported a 10.3 per cent increase from the US$4.67 billion deficit a year earlier.
Imports reached US$15.03 billion, rising 25.7 per cent from US$11.95 billion in September last year. Export earnings climbed 35.6 per cent to US$9.87 billion from US$7.28 billion. Both values were records for the series, which began in 1991, the PSA said.
Combined goods trade amounted to US$24.90 billion, a 29.5 per cent rise from US$19.24 billion a year earlier. The PSA said this was also a record in the series.
Electronics accounted for the biggest annual increases on both sides of trade: US$2.70 billion for imports and US$2.89 billion for exports. Other import gains included US$687.02 million for mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, and US$98.36 million for cereals and cereal preparations.
South Korea supplied US$3.92 billion in goods, making it the largest import partner with a 26.1 per cent share. The United States was the leading export destination, taking US$2.63 billion, or 26.6 per cent of Philippine exports.
