Fruit and nuts accounted for 37 per cent of total exports in December at a value of US$329.72mn
The Philippines closed 2025 with a significantly narrower agricultural trade deficit in December, as a surge in agricultural exports – led by tropical fruits – combined with softer imports to ease pressure on the country’s external accounts.
Agriculture secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the improvement, framing it as early proof that the Department of Agriculture’s export diversification strategy was starting to gain traction.
“We are now reaping the gains of our efforts to widen our menu of farm export products and open new markets,” he said, adding that last year’s export growth strengthened the case for pushing deeper into new destinations and higher-value goods.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed agricultural exports reached US$884.77mn in December, equivalent to 36 per cent of total agricultural trade. Imports stood at US$1.55bn, or 64 per cent of the total, resulting in a trade deficit of US$668.35mn – 27 per cent narrower than in December 2024.
Exports jumped 19 per cent year on year, supported by firmer overseas demand and higher shipment values. Edible fruits and nuts, including citrus and melon peels, dominated outbound trade at US$329.72mn, accounting for 37 per cent of total exports. The figures underline the growing role of fruit shipments in lifting export performance, while also pointing to lingering concentration risks in the export basket.
To broaden that base, the DA has identified 12 high-value crops to push in global markets: asparagus, avocado, banana, cacao, calamansi, durian, dragonfruit, mango, okra, pomelo, pineapple and rambutan. The focus reflects a shift toward products with stronger margins and clearer demand, particularly in Asian and European markets where Philippine produce has been gaining visibility.
Market access gains were evident in December’s trade flows. Malaysia emerged as the largest South-East Asian buyer, importing US$58.1mn worth of Philippine farm goods, while exports to EU member countries reached US$220.4mn. The Netherlands absorbed US$154.4mn of that total, reinforcing its position as a key gateway for Philippine agricultural products into Europe.
“The goal is not just higher export numbers,” Tiu Laurel said. “What matters is building value chains that raise farmers’ incomes, attract long-term investment and create jobs. That’s how export growth translates into real gains for the rural economy.”
On the import side, agricultural purchases fell 6.2 per cent year on year, with the top 10 commodity groups down 7.6 per cent. Taken together, the December data point to a gradual rebalancing in agricultural trade – driven increasingly by export momentum rather than import restraint alone.
