Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) generated ₱129.68 million in sales from the first flagship trade event of the year held last month, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The total sales, including direct cash purchases, booked orders, and ongoing business deals, were recorded during the 2026 National Trade Fair in Manila, which ran from Feb. 18 to 22.

The DTI said the event marked a strong start to its annual trade show calendar, having seen a turnout of 335 MSMEs and more than 15,000

visitors.

With the strong sales performance, the DTI said this reflects growing consumer interest in locally made products.

“For many participating MSMEs, the fair served as a vital testing ground for new ideas before they expanded to larger markets,” it said.

The National Trade Fair highlighted a curated selection of food, fashion, tech, and creative products from across the country, primed for wider distribution and export to overseas markets.

Through the event’s business connect lounge, sellers were able to directly engage with large corporate buyers to establish business partnerships, such as through long-term supply deals.

In addition, the trade show also helped local brands become more professional through practical workshops, product demonstrations, and fashion showcases.

After securing ₱129.68 million in sales for the government’s first trade show of the year, the DTI will likely be on track to exceed its trade show revenue of around ₱660 million last year.

Last month, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said she is confident of higher sales figures this year, especially as her agency plans to hold around 15 trade shows.

Roque said these trade events will take place in larger venues to accommodate more MSMEs, ideally larger than the usual 300 exhibitors.

This would be complemented by product-specific offerings through specific booths to draw greater attention to goods with strong growth potential, she said.

For the year, the DTI is planning to introduce more regional and themed fairs to further broaden the visibility of more unique products made across the archipelago.