International merchandise trade in Eastern Visayas declined significantly in December 2025, with the region posting a steep drop in both exports and imports compared with the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Total external trade in the region reached $33.77 million in December 2025, representing a 90.5 percent decrease from the $354.20 million recorded in December 2024.
Despite the sharp decline, Eastern Visayas maintained a trade surplus of $19.76 million, although this figure was 78.4 percent lower than the $91.51 million surplus posted in December last year.
The value of exports from the region amounted to $26.77 million, marking an 88 percent decline from the $222.86 million recorded in December 2024.
While export earnings dropped significantly, the volume of exports increased by 8.9 percent, rising from 110.08 million kilograms in December 2024 to 119.90 million kilograms in December 2025.
Animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and their related products accounted for the largest share of exports, amounting to $21.06 million, or 78.7 percent of the total export value.
This was followed by fertilizers with $4.27 million, representing 15.9 percent of total exports.
Exports of ores, slag and ash contributed $0.96 million, equivalent to 3.6 percent, while pulp of wood and recovered paper or paperboard accounted for $0.48 million, or 1.8 percent.
In terms of export destinations, the United States of America remained the region’s top market, receiving $13.38 million worth of goods, or 50 percent of total exports in December 2025.
Malaysia ranked second with $7.68 million, accounting for 28.7 percent of exports, followed by Vietnam with $4.27 million, equivalent to 15.9 percent.
Other destinations included the People’s Republic of China with $0.96 million, Germany with $0.30 million, the United Kingdom with $0.11 million, and Sweden with $0.07 million.
Imports into Eastern Visayas also registered a substantial decline during the month. The total value of imports dropped to $7.00 million, reflecting a 94.7 percent decrease from $131.35 million recorded in December 2024.
The volume of imports fell sharply by 96.1 percent, from 99.53 million kilograms in the previous year to 3.87 million kilograms in December 2025.
Furniture, bedding, mattresses, lighting fittings, and prefabricated buildings comprised the largest portion of imported goods, valued at $5.25 million or 75 percent of total imports.
This was followed by mineral fuels, mineral oils, and related products at $1.18 million, representing 16.8 percent. Imports of inorganic chemicals and compounds of precious or rare-earth metals reached $0.38 million, while machinery and mechanical appliances accounted for $0.10 million. Other imported goods also totaled $0.10 million.
By country of origin, the People’s Republic of China was the leading source of imports for the region, supplying $5.42 million worth of goods, equivalent to 77.4 percent of total imports.
Malaysia followed with $1.18 million, while Thailand contributed $0.30 million. Smaller shares came from India with $0.08 million and the Republic of Korea with $0.02 million.
Overall, the December 2025 data indicate a significant slowdown in Eastern Visayas’ international trade activity compared with the previous year. While the region continued to record a trade surplus, the sharp decline in both export and import values suggests weaker trade performance during the month.
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