MANILA — The Philippines’ total external trade in goods grew by 16.1 percent in April this year, according to preliminary data released Friday by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

PSA data showed total trade reached USD20.38 billion, up from USD17.55 billion in the same month last year.

Imports continued to account for the bulk of trade at 64.6 percent, while exports made up the remaining 35.4 percent.

The country’s trade deficit widened to USD5.97 billion, increasing by 49.8 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

Exports rose by 6.3 percent to USD7.21 billion from USD6.78 billion a year earlier.

Gains were led by machinery and transport equipment, which increased by USD187.63 million, followed by coconut oil at USD173.03 million, and other mineral products at USD163.57 million.

Electronic products remained the top export category, contributing USD3.44 billion in April. This was followed by other mineral products at USD458.95 million and machinery and transport equipment at USD423.36 million.

The United States, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore were the country’s top export markets during the period.

On the import side, total purchases jumped by 22.4 percent to USD13.17 billion from USD10.77 billion a year earlier.

Electronic products also topped imports at USD4.22 billion, or 32 percent of total inbound shipments.

This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials at USD2.55 billion, and transport equipment at USD714.26 million.

China remained the Philippines’ largest source of imports, followed by South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.