The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) highlighted the continued resilience and long-term potential of UK-Philippines trade and investment ties, with bilateral trade reaching £3.1 billion and UK foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in the Philippines reaching £1.9 billion, according to the latest figures from the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
UK trade in goods and services reached £3.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2026, up 0.8% from the previous year. UK exports to the Philippines increased 6.6% to £1.3 billion, while UK imports from the Philippines reached £1.8 billion. UK FDI stock in the Philippines also increased by £1.3 billion, or 212.1%, from the previous year.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said the figures reflect the Philippines’ continued potential as a market for British businesses, while emphasizing the importance of taking a long-term view of investment.
I think there is long-term good potential. We’ve always said to the companies coming to the Philippines to come, the Philippines is a place to do business. I’ve always stressed it’s not short-term, you have to look at the long-term benefits, and it will come through,” Nelson said.
The Chamber continues to see opportunities across renewable energy, digital technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and services. Nelson highlighted renewable energy as a key area of opportunity, particularly following the removal of foreign equity restrictions in the sector.
“Renewable energy is going to be key. Energy is a key demand in the Philippines and a key requirement. And let’s not forget that it can be 100% owned by foreign investors,” Nelson said.
The UK government has also identified renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology as priority areas under the UK-Philippines economic relationship. The inaugural UK-Philippines Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting in March 2025 established cooperation across these sectors, alongside efforts to address market-access barriers and increase trade and investment.
The Chamber also welcomed the Philippines’ progress toward joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In June 2026, CPTPP members agreed to begin preparatory discussions with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE. The UK, which joined CPTPP in 2024, has consistently supported the Philippines’ application.
Alongside trade and investment, the Chamber continues to advocate for regulatory and digital reforms, supporting the Cybersecurity Act, Digital Payments Act, Open Finance Act, and Blue Economy Act. As an Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Champion, the Chamber also promotes streamlined government processes and greater use of online services to reduce business burdens, particularly for SMEs.
As the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, BCCP continues to support stronger trade, investment, and economic cooperation. These developments will also be discussed at the Chamber’s upcoming Economic Briefing, which will explore global economic shifts, the evolving UK-Philippines trade relationship, and emerging opportunities for businesses and investors.
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