GARMENT SECTOR ON TRACK FOR $1B EXPORT MILESTONE AMID TRADE CHALLENGES

The Philippines’ garment exports are projected to reach $1 billion this year, an 11-percent increase from last year, despite the 19-percent US reciprocal tariffs imposed in August, according to the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP).

FOBAP President Robert Young credited the growth to advanced shipments, as foreign buyers frontloaded imports to mitigate the impact of the tariffs.

Nearly half of the country’s exports to the US are now tariff-free, and the industry hopes for more exemptions or tariff reductions in the coming year.

Looking ahead, FOBAP expects garment exports to grow by 2 to 5 percent in 2026, while also exploring other markets like Canada, Australia, the EU, and ASEAN to offset global trade uncertainties.

The group is seeking government support to improve competitiveness, including subsidies for rising power and labor costs, with a long-term goal of reaching $5 billion in garment export revenue within the next two to four years.

Source: PhilNews24 | December 15, 2025