Philippines

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved P297.14 billion of investments in January–September, up 92% on a year earlier and just short of its P300 billion target for the year. September alone brought P80.68 billion, including large projects in shipbuilding, solar-panel manufacturing, bioethanol and electronics. Taiwan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore and Indonesia were the main foreign sources, which shows where investor appetite is concentrated.

Philstar · 2026-10-07

In Singapore on October 8, President Marcos pitched recent investment reforms to investors: easier foreign-ownership rules, longer land-lease terms and incentives for renewable energy and qualifying firms. He also promoted the country's role in Pax Silica, the US-led programme to secure supply chains for AI and semiconductors. A planned Pax Silica industrial hub at New Clark City is meant for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, but it faces public debate and opposition.

Philippine Daily Inquirer · 2026-10-08

A World Trade Organization review of Philippine trade policy, reported in the business press, puts the average applied tariff at 6.5%, down from 7.6% in 2018. Since January 2026, the rice tariff has moved between 15% and 35% depending on world prices. Tariff quotas still cover 95 agricultural tariff lines, and regulated goods need import licences, so agrifood importers should model tariffs that change with prices.

BusinessWorld · 2026-09-14

The US State Department's 2026 Investment Climate Statement, published in September, describes Philippine bureaucracy as slow and opaque. It says the business environment is generally better inside special economic zones. Entrants should expect to rely on economic-zone registration to reduce regulatory friction.

U.S. Department of State · 2026-09-30

Headline inflation rose to 7.2% in September from 6.1% in August, equal to April's level and the highest since March 2023. Food, transport (14.6%) and housing and utilities (8.4%) drove the rise, and 11 of 13 commodity groups got more expensive. For entrants this means rising input and wage costs and price-sensitive consumers, with January–September inflation averaging 5.4%, well above the 2–4% target.

Philstar / Rappler (reporting Philippine Statistics Authority data) · 2026-10-06

The central bank (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, BSP) has raised its policy rate three times this year to 5.0%, most recently in August, and its Governor has said it will tighten 'as much as necessary'. BPI expects increases at both remaining 2026 meetings and does not rule out a 50-basis-point move. S&P expects the rate to end the year at 5.25%, so peso borrowing will likely get more expensive for local operations.

Daily Tribune / The Manila Times · 2026-10-07

S&P reported that the peso had fallen more than 5% against the US dollar by mid-September. It warned that the gap between Asian and US interest rates leaves the region exposed to capital outflows, while high oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict add to import costs. The BSP expects inflation to stay above target until around late 2027 and raised its 2027 forecast to 5.4%. Entrants should plan for currency risk on imported inputs and on profits sent home.

The Manila Times · 2026-09-24

The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte reached day 37 on October 9, with prosecutors presenting financial evidence about alleged unexplained wealth. The trial keeps political attention, and opposition between the Marcos and Duterte camps, high ahead of any verdict. It is not directly disrupting business, but it adds uncertainty to the legislative agenda.

The Manila Times / House of Representatives · 2026-10-09

The Inquirer reported that a Philippine Navy sailor was evacuated from Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) after a 10-hour Chinese blockade. It also reported that more than 3,000 people fled armed clashes in Maguindanao del Sur in Mindanao. Both are in line with the active-conflict flag: maritime friction with China is ongoing, and insecurity in parts of Mindanao remains relevant to where operations are located and how they are insured.

Philippine Daily Inquirer · 2026-10-10

Transport fare increases took effect on September 28, and minimum wage adjustments in Metro Manila are adding to labour costs. Analysts also warn that the coming El Niño season could strain the power supply and raise electricity rates. Operators should budget for higher wage, logistics and energy costs in the fourth quarter.

Rappler / Daily Tribune · 2026-10-06