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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Strong trade momentum, rising capital inflows behind PH's new UMIC status – DTI

Strong trade momentum, rising capital inflows behind PH's new UMIC status – DTI

Published Jul 5, 2026 04:03 pm
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted the country's strong trade momentum and rising capital inflows as the primary engines behind the Philippines officially hitting Upper Middle-Income Country (UMIC) status.
With Gross National Income (GNI) per capita breaching the critical economic threshold, the DTI said the historic milestone reflects the Marcos administration’s stronger economic performance driven heavily by an aggressive export surge and increase in investor confidence.
Crucial to this trade breakthrough is the Marcos administration’s aggressive pursuit of expanded 23 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and international partnerships.
“By systematically lowering trade barriers and broadening market access, this extensive network of trade pacts has permanently enhanced the global price competitiveness of Filipino exporters, positioning President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to go down in history with the most number of free trade agreements sealed,” DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said.
“The country’s transition to upper middle-income status is anchored on the robust economic performance recorded across several trade and investment channels for the full year of 2025,” she added.
The Board of Investments (BOI) approved a P1.56 trillion in investments for 2025, registering the second-highest level of investment approvals in the agency's 58-year history. Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) broke its annual investment target by approving PHP 260.89 billion across 314 new and expansion projects. This represents a 21.91% growth compared to 2024 and marks the highest investment growth for the agency since 2016.
Philippine exports also hit historic heights in 2025, achieving a record high of 15.2% compared to the previous year. This strong momentum has carried into 2026, with consecutive monthly export growth recorded: January 2026 by 7.9%, February by 8%, March by 20.4%, April by 6.3% and May by 7.6%.
“This significant milestone is proof of the strong leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in pushing for economic reforms that enhance the country’s global competitiveness and resilience,” Roque, concurrent BOI and PEZA chairman, said.
“Under the Marcos Jr. administration, our focus on our 23 FTAs and improving the ease of doing business has unlocked record investment inflows and trade volumes. Serving as the ASEAN Chair for 2026 gives the Philippines a premier stage to showcase this economic progress, attract high-value capital, and ensure that our economic growth translates into sustainable, high-quality jobs for all Filipinos,” Roque added.
She emphasized that the country's elevation to an upper middle-income tier is a powerful green light for international capital.
“This upgraded classification is set to strengthen the country's credit profile, boost investor confidence, and signal to global enterprises that the Philippines is stable and primed for manufacturing, innovation, and regional expansion,” she stressed.

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