PH exports soar to record-high in August 2026, says PSA

GMA Network - Oct 4, 2026

The country"s merchandise exports surged 27.8% to US$9.11 billion in August 2026, hitting a record-high in the last 35 years, according to the preliminary data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

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Wuhan joins major Chinese cities in shift towards completed-home sales
Oct 3, 2026
Wuhan joins major Chinese cities in shift towards completed-home sales

A complete supply-side transformation of China’s housing market is likely to take precedence over any immediate revival in homebuyer demand following Wuhan’s overhaul of new-home sales, according to property analysts. Wuhan, capital of the central Chinese province of Hubei, is the fourth major economic hub – after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou – to encourage a broader transition towards completed-home sales. “These measures do not directly stimulate demand, but they will drive a structural...

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Oct 3, 2026
Over P1/L rollback for diesel, up to P2/L hike for gasoline seen next week

Motorists should expect mixed movements in pump prices in the coming week, with diesel seen rolling back while gasoline might go up by as much as P2 per liter.

More Chinese banks likely to adopt AI rules after Ping An move: analysts
Oct 3, 2026
More Chinese banks likely to adopt AI rules after Ping An move: analysts

After Ping An Bank became the first listed Chinese lender to formally adopt rules governing its use of artificial intelligence, analysts said more mainland institutions were likely to follow, with the move setting an early benchmark for how far the sector can go in applying the technology. The Shenzhen-listed bank said in a filing on Wednesday that its board had approved AI management measures, following a regulatory push for banks to strengthen oversight of AI use. The full rules have not been...

EXPLAINER: What to do when driving in haze-affected areas
Oct 3, 2026
EXPLAINER: What to do when driving in haze-affected areas

The Department of Health advised motorists to be alert and take extra precautions when driving in areas affected by haze and unclean air, such as Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, and all provinces in Mindanao.

Indonesia Representative Offices: What They Can and Cannot Do
Oct 3, 2026
Indonesia Representative Offices: What They Can and Cannot Do

Foreign companies can establish representative offices in Indonesia: KPPA, KP3A, and KP BUJKA, each with specific rules and limitations.

Vietnam Emerges as the European Union’s Top Trading Destination Within Southeast Asia
Oct 2, 2026
Vietnam Emerges as the European Union’s Top Trading Destination Within Southeast Asia

Vietnam leads ASEAN as most attractive for European business expansion, with 64% planning investment growth over five years. Indonesia follows at 57%, while Malaysia and Thailand lag at 49%. Vietnam's appeal combines market opportunity, established business presence, and supply chain resilience needs.

Thailand Business News — Morning Briefing
Oct 2, 2026
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Thailand & Asia | 3 October 2026 Thailand flood losses climb toward THB69 billion as agriculture, factories and exports come under pressure Thailand’s flooding is emerging as a much larger economic shock than the initial urban disruption suggested. A new assessment from Rangsit University puts losses across the agricultural supply chain at THB69.1 billion, equivalent […]

What about cable cars for high-value crops from mountains? Suggestion made in budget hearing
Oct 2, 2026
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The chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food suggested using cable cars to transport high-value crops from mountain areas as a cheaper, easier way to move goods compared to farm-to-market roads.

LPG prices to rise by P18/kg in October 
Oct 2, 2026
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The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is expected to rise by P18/kg in October due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

McDonald’s sells Hong Kong shop for US$15.3 million as ‘old money’ returns to retail
Oct 2, 2026
McDonald’s sells Hong Kong shop for US$15.3 million as ‘old money’ returns to retail

As “long-dormant old money” steps back into Hong Kong’s retail property market, McDonald’s has sold the property housing its first New Territories restaurant for HK$120 million (US$15.3 million), extending its year-long sell-down of self-owned shops. The property at 10-22 Tsuen Wan Market Street, spanning the ground floor to the second floor, was sold to Keen Charm Holdings (HK) Limited, with the agreement for sale signed on August 31, according to the Land Registry. Company Registry listed Ngan...

PH, Singapore conclude talks on updating 5-decade-old pact vs. double taxation
Oct 2, 2026
PH, Singapore conclude talks on updating 5-decade-old pact vs. double taxation

The Philippines and Singapore have concluded the negotiations for updating a pact entered into by the two neighboring countries nearly five decades ago to prevent double taxation.

Clara Chan retains helm at HKIC as HK$62b state fund aligns with city’s 5-year plan
Oct 2, 2026
Clara Chan retains helm at HKIC as HK$62b state fund aligns with city’s 5-year plan

Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) has extended the tenure of its current CEO, Clara Chan Ka-chai, for another three years as the city vows to boost emerging industries in its first five-year plan. The wholly government-owned investment vehicle, which manages HK$62 billion (US$7.9 billion) in funds, announced that Chan would stay on as head through October 2029, according to a statement on Friday. “I look forward to Clara’s continued leadership of the HKIC over the next three years,...