DTI upbeat on Phl export performance

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has an optimistic outlook on the country's export performance following the growth posted in the Philippines' outbound shipments of goods in April.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said he is optimistic about the Philippines' export performance after the country's merchandise exports rose by 26.4 percent to $6.2 billion in April this year from $4.9 billion in the same month last year, based on preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

"The latest data on merchandise exports reflect our commitment to develop a strong and innovative export ecosystem that increases export scale and scope by improving backward and forward linkages, boosting participation in preferential trade agreements and providing institutional support," Pascual said in a statement.

PSA data also showed the country's merchandise exports in the January to April period of this year went up by 9.6 percent to reach $24.2 billion from $22.1 billion in the same period last year, showing the export industry's resilience amid challenges in the global economy.

Electronic products, the country's top exports, registered a 33.3 percent growth in April, reaching its highest level in the past decade.

Philippine exports of electronic products were valued at $3.57 billion in April this year, higher than the $2.68 billion in the same month a year ago.