DTI Bureau of International Trade Relations

SUZHOU, China—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque met with Viet Nam's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan on 22 May 2026 on the sidelines of APEC MRT. The Philippines met with Viet Nam to propose that a high-level business delegation accompany the Vietnamese leadership during a potential visit to Manila later in 2026. The DTI and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Ho Chi Minh City aim to facilitate targeted B2B networking dinners and commercial activities to secure foreign direct investments, enhance business-to-business linkages, and drive long-term, sustainable economic growth for both nations.

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SUZHOU, China—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Chilean Vice Minister Paula Estévez met on May 23, 2026 at the sidelines of the APEC MRT to discuss the conclusion of the Philippines-Chile CEPA. Both sides agreed to fast-track negotiations with the aim to secure a balanced deal that drives bilateral trade growth.

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PH, NZ lock in landmark economic deal to boost trade and green energy

SUZHOU, China—In a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations, the Philippines and New Zealand signed an arrangement to establish a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) during a bilateral meeting on May 22, 2026, in Suzhou, China. The JEC is a dedicated mechanism under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) designed to expand trade, promote investments, and facilitate economic cooperation. The agreement fulfills a commitment outlined in the Joint Statement issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in April 2024.

The establishment of the JEC coincides with a robust recovery in bilateral trade, which has rebounded to $628.8 million, nearing its pre-pandemic peak. Philippine exports to New Zealand registered a notable increase, reaching $103 million, driven by higher shipments of electrical machinery, infrastructure components, and fresh fruits such as bananas and pineapples. Meanwhile, New Zealand continues to be a major supplier of agricultural products to the Philippines, exporting $525.8 million in commodities, including dairy, cheese, butter, and beef.

The platform will also serve to enhance two-way bilateral investments, improve the business environment and foster cooperation in sectors of mutual interests.

This partnership comes at a critical juncture as both countries navigate the economic impact of a global fuel crisis. Rising fuel costs have driven domestic inflation, increased transportation fares, and heightened production costs across logistics and agriculture, placing financial pressure on consumer households.

To achieve long-term energy security, efforts have been taken by the Philippines towards developing sustainable energy sources. To accelerate this transition, the Philippines is actively inviting New Zealand companies to invest in its fully liberalized renewable energy sector. By leveraging New Zealand’s expertise in green technology, the Philippines aims to diversify its energy mix and shield its economy from future global supply shocks.

Both countries are moving forward rapidly with the initiative, with New Zealand scheduled to host the inaugural JEC meeting in August to discuss key areas of cooperation, including dairy production, critical minerals, and renewable energy.

Repost from: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-latest-news/dti-ph-nz-lock-landmark-economic-deal-boost-trade-green-energy

Statement of the Chairperson of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials (SEOM) on the Conclusion of ASEAN DEFA Negotiations

1. The Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) of ASEAN successfully resolved all outstanding issues in the negotiations of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) during its Second Meeting of the 57th ASEAN SEOM, held in Manila, Philippines on 27-29 May 2026. This marks the successful conclusion of the negotiations on ASEAN’s first region-wide digital economy agreement and a major milestone in advancing the ASEAN Leader’s vision of a digitally integrated, secure, interoperable, competitive, and inclusive regional economy.

2. The ASEAN DEFA is expected to play a transformative role in unlocking the full potential of ASEAN’s digital economy, which studies indicate could reach as much as USD 2 trillion by 2030 with its successful implementation. The outcome follows the 27th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting held on 7 May 2026 in Cebu, Philippines where Ministers directed ASEAN SEOM to resolve all remaining negotiating issues, underscoring the strategic importance of the DEFA as ASEAN’s response to a rapidly evolving global economic landscape and its commitment to building an open, rules-based, and seamlessly connected digital economy.

Complete text here: https://tinyurl.com/3acdy8ru

Repost from: https://asean.org/statement-of-the-chairperson-of-the-asean-senior-economic-officials-seom-on-the-conclusion-of-asean-defa-negotiations/

PH positions as Asia’s ‘Digital Hub’ with record $8.17B exports at US-ABC meet

SUZHOU, China—Highlighting record-breaking export growth and a bold vision for regional connectivity, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque positioned the Philippines as Asia’s next premier digital powerhouse during a high-level meeting with the US-APEC Business Coalition on May 21, 2026. Held on the sidelines of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou, China, the forum brought together top executives from major global financial, tech, and logistics corporations, including Mastercard, Visa, Johnson & Johnson, Onsemi, NCAPEC, and UPS.

Secretary Roque opened her address by showcasing the resilience and rapid growth of the Philippine economy under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She revealed a historic milestone for trade, noting that just last month, the country’s export sales surged to an all-time high of $8.17 billion—the highest monthly performance recorded since 1991. This represents a remarkable 20.4% jump from the previous year, driven heavily by electronics, which accounted for 59% of total exports at $4.82 billion.

With the formal APEC meetings set to commence the following day, Secretary Roque noted that tech and innovation are at the very top of the regional agenda. She shared that active discussions are underway to establish a proposed APEC Trade Digitalization Cooperation Framework, focusing on building secure and inclusive online trade networks. Secretary Roque emphasized that the Philippines is aggressively leveraging this momentum, stating that digital transformation is no longer just a choice, but the country’s primary engine for economic growth.

At home, the DTI is using technology to upgrade local small businesses, expand e-commerce infrastructure, accelerate AI adoption, and establish the Philippines as the definitive “Digital Services Hub” of Asia. This readiness has already triggered an influx of global investments in high-tech infrastructure, such as large-scale data centers and green manufacturing.

The Trade Chief tied these local advancements to the Philippines’ pivotal role as the ASEAN Chair this year. At the heart of its regional leadership is the aggressive push for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). She reported that negotiations are moving quickly and expressed optimism that the agreement will be signed during the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit this November, marking a historic milestone as the world’s first region-wide, legally binding digital trade pact.

According to the Secretary, these massive international partnerships directly reflect President Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas. This momentum ensures economic gains are not confined to major cities but are actively uplifting startups, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across all provinces. Closing her address, Secretary Roque reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with global business leaders and regional neighbors to build a secure, interconnected, and prosperous future for all.

Repost from: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-latest-news/dti-ph-positions-asias-digital-hub-record-8-17b-exports-us-abc-meet

PH, JP reaffirm strong collaboration through PJEPA, RCEP and AJCEPA in Suzhou; eyes cooperation on AI and supply chains

SUZHOU, China—Meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou, China, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ryosei Akazawa, reaffirmed their economic relationship and highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains and stronger collaboration amid growing global trade uncertainties.

Minister Akazawa underscored Japan’s commitment to working closely with the Philippines within regional frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Philippines–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA). The discussions also covered the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and other potential areas for collaboration beneficial to critical minerals and energy cooperation.

Secretary Roque also shared that several Japanese companies are planning to expand operations in the Philippines, particularly in banking, infrastructure, and railway development. She likewise emphasized the important role of free trade agreements in fostering domestic industries and generating employment opportunities for Filipinos.

The high-level meeting follows a banner year for business between the two nations. Total trade between the Philippines and Japan grew by 8%, rising from $20.4 billion in 2024 to a record $22.1 billion in 2025. Thanks to strong Japanese demand, Philippine exports jumped 12% to reach $11.6 billion, while imports from Japan rose slightly to $10.5 billion. Japan is also the third-largest source of foreign investment for the Philippines, with most of the funding pouring into local factories, real estate, transportation, communications, and power networks.

Repost from: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-latest-news/dti-ph-jp-reaffirm-strong-collaboration-pjepa-rcep-ajcepa-suzhou-eyes-cooperation-ai-supply-chains

PASAY CITY, Philippines—The Philippines and the European Union (EU) successfully concluded the sixth round of negotiations for the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH–EU FTA), held from 18–22 May 2026 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the sixth round moved the PH–EU FTA closer to completion, with both sides advancing efforts to expand trade in goods, services, and investments.

The European Union is the Philippines’ fifth-largest trading partner, making the agreement critical in broadening access to a major export market. The agreement goes beyond traditional goods trade, covering disciplines to include services, investments, digital trade, government procurement, intellectual property, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), energy and raw materials, competition policy, good regulatory practices, sustainability, among others.

Both sides advanced market access offers and progressively narrowed gaps across priority areas. According to DTI Undersecretary and Chief Trade Negotiator Allan B. Gepty, “(T)his FTA is viewed to be one of the most strategically important trade partnerships in the Philippines’ economic relations. It represents a transformative opportunity for the Philippines, opening preferential market access to the EU’s single market of over 450 million consumers for Filipino goods and services while attracting European investment into key growth sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.”

For the European Union, he emphasized that the agreement deepens its strategic economic footprint in Southeast Asia at a time of intensifying global competition. It will also reinforce supply chain resilience and advance shared commitments on sustainable development, labor standards, and good governance.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque also underscored sustained momentum toward the conclusion of negotiations. “We are hopeful that both sides can work through the remaining technical and substantive issues at the Chief Negotiators’ Round in Brussels on June 29 to July 3, bringing us closer to concluding the agreement,” said Secretary Roque.

Amidst regional uncertainty, the DTI remains committed to advancing the Philippines’ international trade policy agenda through strategic, forward-looking FTAs that support economic growth, create jobs, attract investments, and strengthen the Philippines’ global competitiveness.

Repost from: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-latest-news/dti-ph-eu-successfully-conclude-6th-round-fta-negotiations

Read I Take a look at the International Trade Highlights for April 2026
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PH pushes for open trade, digital economy and supply chain resilience at APEC Trade Ministers Meeting in China

The Philippines took part in the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting and related meetings, held on 20-23 May 2026 in Suzhou, China, with the DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque leading the Philippine delegation.

In the meetings, the Department underscored the importance of strengthening an open, predictable, and rules-based regional and multilateral trading system amid growing global uncertainty and economic disruptions. Secretary Roque called for keeping markets open, avoiding unnecessary non-tariff measures, and ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, particularly for workers such as Filipino seafarers who play a critical role in global trade.

The Philippines further stressed the need to reinforce the World Trade Organization (WTO) through meaningful reform, implementation of outcomes from the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, continued consultations on the e-commerce moratorium, and progress on fisheries and agriculture negotiations.

On innovation and sustainable growth, the Department highlighted its push for an open and trusted digital economy, while urging APEC to harmonize digital trade rules, align AI and data governance standards, and accelerate paperless trade. The Philippines also reaffirmed its commitment to green growth by advancing renewable energy investments, sustainable industries, and regional cooperation on clean technologies, while calling for stronger discussions on environmental goods and services and ensuring that MSMEs benefit from the green and digital transitions.

Senior Officials will work on the instructions of Trade Ministers at the next APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting scheduled to take place in Dalian, China in 17-28 August 2026. APEC economies are expected to push forward this year’s priorities under the 2026 theme of “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together” before the APEC Leaders’ Week in November 2026.

The Secretary was joined by officials and staff from the DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations, Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Shanghai and Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Philippines and the European Union concluded the sixth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in Pasay City, Philippines, held on 18-22 May 2026. Throughout the week, negotiating teams made substantial progress across all chapters, including in Legal & Institutional, Rules of Origin, Intellectual Property, and Digital Trade. Discussions also advanced on market access for Trade in Goods, Services and Investment, and Government Procurement.

On the sidelines of the round, Chief Negotiators PH DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty and EU Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security Director Dora Correia conducted a stakeholders’ dialogue and met with officials from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss their respective views and interests in the agreement.

The ongoing FTA negotiations highlight the deepening economic relationship of the Philippines and the EU. In 2025, the EU as a bloc was the Philippines’ 5th largest trading partner with total trade amounting to USD 18 billion. It is also the country’s 5th largest export market and import source. Beyond trade, the EU has been a reliable investment and economic partner of the Philippines, particularly in key growth sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and digital connectivity.

Both sides are working towards the timely conclusion of an ambitious, balanced, commercially meaningful, and mutually beneficial agreement that supports economic growth, accelerates trade and investment, and enhances resilience in global supply chains.