MAKATI CITY — As global trade faces increasing complexity, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ramping up its assistance to Philippine exporters. This support comes in the form of targeted programs, digital tools, and international engagements. All these initiatives align with the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023–2028 to help exporters compete, scale, and thrive in the global marketplace.
“The Philippine export sector is being fundamentally reimagined under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, evolving into a vibrant force for inclusive and sustainable growth. Our commitment is to empower every Filipino exporter with the essential tools, crucial knowledge, and expanded market access necessary to excel on the global stage,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
“Through a concerted effort in accelerating export and research and development, cultivating strong strategic alliances, and prioritizing talent development across the sector, we are not merely overcoming current trade hurdles. We're actively constructing a more robust, future-proof economy, positioning Filipino exporters at the forefront of global commerce and innovation,” she added.
From January to May, the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) led the country’s participation in major international trade fairs and business missions across the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and East Asia. These included Gulfood Dubai, TuttoFood Milano, THAIFEX-Anuga Asia, HIMSS Global Health Conference, Franchising Expo Sydney, and Nordic Game.
The Middle East mission alone generated USD 27.28 million in export sales, while the healthcare services sector recorded USD 79 million in actual and potential sales at HIMSS 2025.
Beyond sales, Filipino exporters are gaining international recognition. Miguelito’s Ice Cream successfully entered the Australian market, while Avocadoria prepares to launch in the Gold Coast. Fisherfarms’ Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp was recognized as a finalist at the THAIFEX 2025 Taste Innovation Show. In addition, its Deboned Milkfish in Chili Spiced Coconut Cream was also named a finalist for Best Frozen/Chilled Product at the prestigious Gulfood Innovation Awards 2025. Lionheart Farms’ The Power of Slow Power Coconut Flower Sap Drink Carbonated Calamansi made history as the only Philippine beverage finalist at the same event.
Furthermore, through the support of the ARISE Plus Philippines’ Quality Champions Programme led by the Department, LMG Food Products Corporation also earned dual certifications in food safety and halal compliance, strengthening its readiness to compete in global markets, particularly in the Middle East.
To improve exporters’ access to trade benefits, the DTI-EMB continues to promote the Philippine FTA Information Portal and the FTA Origin Management System. These digital platforms simplify access to tariff rates, origin requirements, and trade documentation. These tools are being rolled out nationwide through technical training sessions for Philippine exporters.
The EMB’s flagship learning series, “Usapang Exports,” conducted 35 sessions in 2024, reaching exporters across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Topics included export documentation, FTA utilization, and digital trade tools such as Tradeline Philippines and the International Trade Centre’s (ITC’s) Trade Map. The program also supports women-led businesses through the SheTrades Philippines Hub. PR