Electronic items boost PHL exports; Dec. receipts up 25.3%

Exports of electronic products brought the country's total export revenues up to $4.162 billion in December 2010, up from $3.321 billion the previous year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). According to the NSO, electronic products accounted for 54.2 percent of total exports in December, up 19.4 percent in the same comparable period. Semiconductor components and devices comprised the largest share of electronic products, accounting for 38.8 percent of total exports at $1.616 billion. Cathodes & sections of cathodes of refined copper were the second top export earner in December, with total receipts of $139.78 million or 3.4 percent total shipments. The country's third best performing product group consisted of articles of apparel and clothing accessories, with $137.91 million or 3.3 percent of total shipments. In terms of commodity groups, manufactured goods accounted for the majority or 81.7 percent of the export receipts valued at $137.91 million — up 20.7 percent from the $2.818 billion. East Asian countries took in the bulk or 48.2 percent of Philippine exports in December, with receipts amounting to $2.006 billion, 66.7 percent more than what was shipped a year earlier. Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nation region grew 39.2 percent to $804.51 million. By country, Japan (including Okinawa) took in 15.4 percent of Philippine exports amounting to $642.73 million. This was followed by the People's Republic of China which accounted for 14.3 percent valued at $594.81 million. The US (including Alaska and Hawaii) bought 13.6 percent of the Philippine shipments worth $594.81 million. —VS, GMA News