28.08.202601:27:57UTC+00Philippines Imports Growth at 4-Month Low

Philippine imports increased by 19.8% year-on-year to USD 14.1 billion in July 2026, slowing from an upwardly revised 25% growth in June and marking the weakest expansion since March. The moderation was driven by declines in purchases of transport equipment (-3.8%), industrial machinery and equipment (-3.7%), iron and steel (-8.3%), and other food and live animals (-9.6%).

By contrast, imports of electronic products jumped 61.3%, fueled by robust gains in components and devices (79%) and electronic data processing equipment (32.8%). Import growth was further supported by higher inbound shipments of mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials (34.8%), as well as cereals and cereal preparations (50.1%).

China remained the Philippines’ top import source, accounting for 29.5% of total imports, with purchases from the country rising 20.2% from a year earlier. Imports also posted strong increases from South Korea (75.7%), Japan (23.1%), and the United States (4.2%).

Over the first seven months of 2026, the country’s total imports amounted to USD 92.3 billion.