The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will intensify efforts to support exporters as the government seeks to sustain the country’s growth trajectory after posting a record level of exports last year.

“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,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement.

Roque said the export performance last month reflects the ability of local exporters to meet increased demand from overseas buyers.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the country’s exports of goods rose by 23.3 percent to $6.99 billion in December 2025 from $5.67 billion in the same month in 2024.

This marked the third consecutive month of export growth, driven largely by stronger demand for electronics, mineral, and agricultural products.

Total exports last year reached $84.41 billion, up 15.2 percent from $73.27 billion in the previous year.

This was the highest export value ever recorded for the country, according to the DTI.

“To protect this momentum, the DTI is staying vigilant against global trade shifts and potential new tariffs on specialty electronics, ensuring local industries remain resilient,” Roque said.

Asked about the Department’s key initiatives this year, Roque said the DTI will actively guide exporters in securing the necessary certifications to access more markets.

“These certifications also boost the credibility of our exporters in global markets,” Roque said in a Viber message.

She added that the government is also making it easier for businesses to harness the benefits of the country’s free trade agreements by digitalizing application processes in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“The DTI is also ramping up promotion so Philippine products gain stronger visibility worldwide,” she said.

Roque said exporters may also join business-matching missions to key trade destinations abroad to directly engage with foreign buyers and open new opportunities to expand their market presence.

Last year, the United States (US) remained the country’s top export destination, with shipments reaching $13.44 billion, or nearly 16 percent of total.

Hong Kong ranked second with $12.32 billion, followed by Japan at $11.57 billion, and China at $9.3 billion.

In terms of export commodities, electronic products retained their position as the country’s top export group, totaling $49.96 billion last year, or nearly 60 percent of overall exports.

This figure was 27.8 percent higher than the $39.09 billion recorded in 2024.

By helping exporters tap new markets, the government aims to secure strong demand for Philippine electronics, particularly amid the risk of potential US tariffs.

“This proactive stance, paired with a focus on ease of doing business and expanded market access, fuels the department’s optimistic 2026 outlook,” Roque said.

Roque added that the government aims to sustain the upward trajectory of exports this year to ensure they remain key drivers of economic growth and job creation.