Philippines positions as strategic gateway to ASEAN market

The Philippines is positioning itself as a strategic gateway for Latin American companies looking to enter the USD 4 trillion ASEAN market. During an official visit to Brazil and Chile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized the potential for deepening trade, investment, and economic ties through shared cultural and historical links.

The Marcos administration is specifically targeting investments from Brazil and Chile in sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, mining technology, agricultural technology, and food security. Strengthening logistics could lead to direct trans-Pacific shipping routes to reduce costs and enhance supply chain resilience. Currently, Latin America accounts for less than 2 percent of Philippine trade.

On the manufacturing front, the Philippines is seeing growth in its export sector. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, exports reached a record USD 8.77 billion in June 2026, a 24.1 percent increase from the previous year. Manufactured goods comprise over 82 percent of export value, with electronic products accounting for nearly 60 percent. The country is focusing on technical capabilities in semiconductors, assembly, and packaging to serve automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace industries.