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The PHILEXPORT News and Featuresor PNF is a major policy advocacy publication released every Friday to media outlets nationwide. It carries PHILEXPORT positions on issues; news and feature stories on important events and activities; and even promotional articles. Initiated with USAID funding assistance, it is now fully operated and funded by PHILEXPORT.
The leadership of major business organizations is urging the Marcos administration to intensify efforts to rebuild investor confidence to support job creation, as the economy is expected to grow by measly 5 percent this year amid flood control project anomalies.
Philippine exporters to the European Union (EU) are advised to comply with the market’s new system requiring detailed product environmental impact information, advancing transparency and sustainability.
The United Port Users Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. (UPC) has voiced apprehension over the high reefer yard utilization at the Manila International Container Port, urging the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to step in now to prevent possible congestion issues later.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced the resumption of all tax audit and field operations, which the agency had suspended in November in acknowledgement of the “numerous complaints from taxpayers, stakeholders, and internal units regarding irregularities and inconsistencies in the conduct of tax audits.”
Countries that can produce electronic components are better positioned to secure skilled jobs, technology spillovers and more resilient export revenues, as digitally deliverable products keep growing, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The domestic agri-food sector is one of the Philippines’ most powerful economic engines, but it faces serious risks this year and beyond from the impacts of trade tensions, rising tariffs, and climate change if not given strong support to boost its resilience and competitiveness, according to a new international report.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are calling on the government to implement coordinated, end-to-end support, including business acceleration programs, expanded access to financing, skills training, mentorship, and shared resources.
Value addition is crucial for coffee farmer profitability while value chain upgrading is a critical strategy for revitalizing the coffee sector, according to a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) has expressed strong reservations about the proposed new customs processing system (CPS) in view of the possible significant fee increase involved.
Companies and individuals who engage or intend to engage in the export, import, transit, or transshipment, re-export and reassignment of strategic goods are advised to register and apply for authorization.
Domestic exporters have gone beyond basic digital skills but still require stronger internal systems to progress toward artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled operations, according to a new research study assessing Filipino exporters’ digitalization and AI readiness.
Stakeholders are called to submit their feedback on recommendations to adopt several standards on textiles and apparel as the Philippine National Standard (PNS) by March.
The head of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) says the legislative proposal to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) to 10% will largely benefit the affluent and big business, suggesting instead that VAT reduction target fuel and electricity costs to have a bigger impact on households and small enterprises.
Global trade is expected to slow in 2026 amidst strong headwinds and rising protectionism, with profound implications particularly for developing nations like the Philippines. However, opportunities abound in the surging South-South trade, which has emerged as a major engine of global trade, according to the latest Global Trade Update from the United Nations.
The country can strengthen intra-ASEAN economic linkages by reducing trade costs, improving micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) participation in regional production networks and reviewing non-tariff measures, according to a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
Exports of services continue to grow faster than goods this year with digitalization accelerating servicification, while developing countries drive global export growth, according to the UN Trade and Development’s first trade report of the year.
Food and beverage exporters and export-ready firms looking to enter or expand into the United States (US) market are advised to comply with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to avoid shipment detentions.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from improved connectivity and digital infrastructure and digital trade partnerships can further enrich them, according to experts.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has further extended the transitory period for compliance with the mandatory Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) and labeling requirements for household/urban hazardous substances (HUHS) products until June this year.
A new study of the artificial intelligence (AI) readiness of Philippine local government units (LGUs) shows most are generally unprepared for AI adoption, pointing to the need for policy support for infrastructure investment, skills development, governance reforms, and resource allocation.
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) welcomes the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a strategic milestone in expanding the Philippines’ economic relations and partnerships in the Middle East.
Developing countries can diversify their export baskets and invest in value addition to navigate shifts in the international trading environment this year and emerge stronger and more resilient.
The Philippine economy is expected to grow by 5% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2026, driven by domestic demand, infrastructure spending, and service sector expansion, but growth remains below government targets and pre-pandemic potentials, according to a new study.
A free training book has been released providing concrete and comprehensive guidance on how Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can implement circular economy (CE) practices for plastics to reduce production wastage and increase resource efficiency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the job market, and a worker’s success in finding or keeping a job will increasingly depend on his or her ability to update skills or learn new ones, according to a new report.
Artificial intelligence (AI) becoming an ordinary part of everyday life, sensorial reset and climate-impacted world are among the key strategies crucial to enable brands to master the retail landscape in 2028, according to the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster.
The head of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) expressed elation over the positive outlook for Filipino merchandise exports, which grew 14.5% on an annual basis in end-November 2025 to US$77.4 billion, already exceeding the $73.27 billion of full-year 2024.
The launch of the Tatak Pinoy Strategy Office (TPSO) and the sector development units (SDUs) is one of the most immediate activities that will be undertaken this year by the Department of Trade and Industry to implement the recently approved Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS).
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) attributed the increase in the unemployment rate in November 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier to many unfavorable developments, foremost of which is the corruption scandal that has hit the Philippines.
The Philippine economy is expected to continue growing through 2026, but emerging global and domestic risks could affect the country’s ability to sustain momentum as it moves closer to upper-middle-income status, according to a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
Global trade is projected to slow to 2.2 percent in 2026 after performing better than expected in the previous year, as front-loading effects fade and tariffs become more entrenched, according to a United Nations (UN) report.
The Philippines must diversify its export markets and upgrade its participation in global value chains (GVCs) as exports remain subdued due to soft global demand and protectionist headwinds, according to a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
An expert has identified six productivity-shaping trends in Asian countries boosting competitiveness, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), data governance and workflow-optimizing tools helping them cut waste and deliver faster and higher-quality services.
A national daily minimum wage of ₱750 could inflict serious economic damage and lead to widespread job losses, according to economists from De La Salle University (DLSU).
A new study is calling for the removal of the legal constraints that prevent the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from establishing climate finance development facilities that could directly address the devastating impact of rising climate-related challenges in the Philippines.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced the availability of the 2026 BIR Interactive Tax Calendar on its website for reference by taxpayers in their tax compliance.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recently raised the “de minimis” benefit ceilings, which is welcome news for Filipino workers struggling with the rising prices of basic commodities.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a new memorandum circular that applies to and covers all persons entities involved in the export, re-export, or reassignment of strategic goods.
The furniture sector is seeking support from the government amid the high costs of international promotion as industry players look for more overseas markets to boost export growth.
The Philippines and four other economies are the main engines of Southeast Asian energy demand growth as electricity consumption across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is projected to increase by up to 96 percent by 2060, according to a new Outlook.
Enhancing productivity in labor-absorbing services is an essential priority for both growth and equity given the services sector predominantly leads the growth of the economy and employment, according to a study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
The head of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) is urging the Marcos government not to reduce public spending in the wake of the corruption issues around flood control projects, but to allocate more funds where they are badly needed, like export promotion and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development—two key sectors that can help revive the country’s slowing economy.
Increasing and diversifying exports in low-carbon industries can generate the revenues needed to fund the climate transition as trade plays a key role in meeting climate goals, according to a United Nations (UN) report.
Goods export growth in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is projected to slow to around 1.1 percent in 2026, as temporary drivers –frontloaded trade and high-tech goods demand– fade and policy uncertainty persists, according to the latest APEC Regional Trends Analysis.
The head of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) is urging the Marcos government not to reduce public spending in the wake of the corruption issues around flood control projects, but to allocate more funds where they are badly needed, like export promotion and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development—two key sectors that can help revive the country’s slowing economy.
Increasing and diversifying exports in low-carbon industries can generate the revenues needed to fund the climate transition as trade plays a key role in meeting climate goals, according to a United Nations (UN) report.
Goods export growth in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is projected to slow to around 1.1 percent in 2026, as temporary drivers –frontloaded trade and high-tech goods demand– fade and policy uncertainty persists, according to the latest APEC Regional Trends Analysis.
The head of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) is urging the government to take decisive steps to win back the trust of global investors by making sure crimes are punished as he warned that foreign investments in the Philippines have all but dried up amid allegations of widespread corruption involving flood control projects.
A study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has called for stronger coordination among stakeholders to ensure training courses designed to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge essential for various industries will respond to real labor market demands.
The manufacturing industry registered declines once more in both new orders and output in October 2025, but this did not dampen optimism among stakeholders about growth prospects in the new year, according to new data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
A private sector-led consultative body on fiber industry development facilitated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) has adopted four major resolutions this year that seek to further modernize and strengthen the fiber sector, particularly abaca production in the country.
Export-oriented enterprises (EOEs) that do not enjoy tax incentives granted by investment promotion agencies should know they can still avail themselves of value-added tax (VAT) perks such as avoiding input taxes on their local purchases and importations, according to a tax expert.
Importers seeking tax and duty exemptions for their goods should know that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) plans to adopt the Department of Finance’s (DOF) Enhanced Tax Exemption System Lite (e-TESLite), the database management system for the electronic processing of tax and duty exemption applications, in an effort to streamline customs operations and improve public service.
The involvement of small firms and trade in developing and implementing a country’s climate action plans presents opportunities as they promote inclusion and resilience, according to a paper by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
A sustainability expert is pushing for a value-preserving textile system as the Philippine textile industry adopts circular economy principles to achieve sustainability and competitiveness.
The compliance period for covered taxpayers—which include electronic commerce (e-commerce) players—to issue electronic invoices has been extended until late next year to give the affected stakeholders sufficient time to adjust to the e-invoicing requirement, according to a new Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issuance.
Philippine policymakers, researchers and businesses now have another useful instrument for monitoring world and bilateral trade trends and dynamics, specifically export and import data per month, quarter and year-to-date with select trade partners. This allows users to extract the data for policy development, decision-making, and future planning.
The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) is urging continuous conduct of earthquake drills and briefings on typhoons to raise awareness of safety protocols among employees, citing the importance of effective disaster preparedness.
Export companies can access a portal to maximize tariff benefits under the country’s trade agreements and arrangements, enhance trade opportunities and tap into new markets.
Companies are called to professionalize their cross-border operations and diversify their markets amid the end of United States’ de minimis threshold for all countries.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has underscored the importance of a circular economy for textiles to create value, extend product lifespan and maximize resources, as he calls for support for measures advancing sustainability.
A new free tool that offers an innovative solution to support flood risk mapping in Asia-Pacific has been introduced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) to help build resilience in the most calamity-prone region of the world.
The new customs guidelines for exporters who plan to submit online their application for Product Evaluation Report (PER) as it relates to rules of origin (ROO) requirements under the generalized systems of preferences (GSPs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) have been released.
There are other market opportunities just waiting to be grasped by Filipino exporters, including the promising markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, according to a Philippine trade attaché.
An alliance of business associations and government partners has called for a comprehensive review of the forthcoming implementation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the nine-year term limit for independent directors of publicly listed companies and other regulated firms.
Employers need to become updated on the major policy changes in terms of occupational health and safety in the workplace following the issuance of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (Revised IRR) of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSH) Act, advises an occupational safety official.
Digital technology bolsters the competitiveness of the coffee sector as it enables supply chain players to work more efficiently, reach new markets and function more equitably and sustainably, according to a coffee guide published by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Exporters, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), may now get a soft copy of the “AEO Operational Guidelines” following the official launch of the guidebook on self-assessment and accreditation recently at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Manila.
Global trade expanded by about $500 billion in the first half of 2025 and is expected to reach record highs by the end of the year as the negative impact of trade policy uncertainty has remained relatively contained, according to a United Nations (UN) report.
Countries are increasingly using trade instruments, including taxes and regulations, to support climate action as trade may increase emissions and resource use if safeguards are lacking, according to a trade official.
Becoming an investment hotspot has been the goal of the Philippines for some time. Challenging the dominance of well-known investment destinations and providing an attractive investment climate required tweaks and changes to our tax and incentive laws, among others. One of the more early attempts to improve the investment stature of the Philippines was the enactment of the “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises” or more popularly known as the CREATE Act.
With the impact of climate change on workers’ health increasingly being felt in the agriculture sector, businesses need to invest in resilient and precision agriculture practices and modified working practices to raise resilience to the growing challenges stemming from extreme weather events, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Snacking is advancing with flavors, textures and even climate-resilient innovations as healthy snacking helps consumers meet their wellness goals.
The leader of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) appealed for stronger government support to the troubled export industry and higher budget for export promotion and market diversification following the negative impact of the higher US tariffs on Philippine exports.
Southeast Asia’s exports saw strong growth in the first half of the year amid tariff frontrunning but renewed tariff hikes and higher trade policy uncertainty weigh on the outlook, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Philippine exporters to the European Union (EU) need to be aware of the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), the European Commission’s online platform for the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) certificates that are required for the importation of animals and animal products, non-animal-origin food and feed products, and plants into the EU.
Artificial intelligence (AI) empowers the cross-border e-commerce industry, enabling more efficient and intelligent global trade amid its significant potential for digitalization, according to a report published by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Middle skills programs that incorporate decentralized and flexible middle skills development mechanisms and improved access to financial assistance for training can ensure these meet industry demands and prepare the workforce for the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), according to local researchers.
Health-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region with robust ethics and compliance programs are more competitive and trade-ready, according to new APEC research.
For just the third time in over four years, the Philippines’ Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reading fell into negative territory in September 2025 as goods producers saw fresh contractions in output and new orders, according to S&P Global.
Taxpayers oftentimes incur excess creditable withholding taxes (CWT) at the end of their taxable year. In such situation, there are two ways to recover the excess taxes paid. One way is to carry over the excess amount and utilize it as payment of the income taxes due in the succeeding years. Taxpayers can carry over the excess tax credits in subsequent periods until these are fully consumed. The other way is to claim for a refund or a tax credit certificate.
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