The Philippines generated USD 269,089 million in export sales at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai.
The Philippines’ CIIE participation under the FOODPhilippines banner underscored sustained demand for the country’s food and agricultural products and exceeded this year’s target. It generated 547 trade inquiries with the target nearly doubled; and welcomed 547 buyers, marking the highest buyer turnout in five years despite a new pavilion location.
According to Philippine trade officials, the 2025 results reflect a strategic recalibration amid stricter customs compliance and temporary supply constraints particularly in durian while maintaining strong market visibility and engagement.
Housing 19 export-ready Filipino companies and the Department of Agriculture-Halal Food Industry Development Program, the Philippine pavilion presented a diverse range of products aligned with China’s growing preference for healthy, organic, and functional food offerings. Products on display included banana chips, coconut-based products, fruit purées, jams, durian, eel, and other tropical food items.
Trade partnerships between Philippine and Chinese firms continue to expand as several contracts were also signed on the same day of the opening ceremony attended by key trade officials of the two countries. Fruta Asiatica Export and Agri-Trading and Weihai Pure Fruit Food Technology Co., Ltd. signed a supply agreement for two million kilograms of fresh durian, while Shanghai Nam Chow Foods and New Asia Oil Incorporated finalized an agreement covering 200 tons of coconut oil.
Contracts were also signed between Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. and Eng Seng Food Products for two million kilograms of young coconuts, and between Gansu Zhongfei Tiancheng Trading Co., Ltd. and Eng Seng Food Products for two million kilograms of fresh and frozen durian. Maylong Enterprises Corp. likewise secured contracts with Resource Food Supply Co. for 2,000 thousand tons of frozen durian and five thousand tons of eel.
“This year’s sales are stronger compared to last year. The figure of over one billion in 2024 was driven by the demand for durian, but we are still adjusting in terms of our capacity to supply it. It will take years to really meet the real demand of China. What’s encouraging this year is that other Filipino products such as coconut, banana, muscovado sugar, and eel are also being recognized and contributing significantly to our sales. Proof of this is the increased number of buyer inquiries we had this year compared to last year,” PTIC-Shanghai Vice Consul Jose Ma. Dinsay said.
Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo stressed the agency remains committed to expanding the Philippines’ footprint in China, with future participation continuing to highlight organic, low-sugar, and functional food products in response to evolving Chinese consumer preferences for healthier and premium offerings.
“China is now ranked as the world’s second-largest import market with goods and services imports projected to exceed USD15 trillion. Import growth accelerated with agricultural imports reaching USD57.1 billion, a bullish market that the Philippines aims to get a slice of,” Ocampo noted.
The 2025 Philippine participation at the CIIE was led by the DTI–CITEM as the main organizer, in partnership with PHILEXPORT, and co-organized by the Department of Agriculture, PTIC–Shanghai, and the DA–Office of the Agriculture Counselor in Beijing.
