Top 5 Import Products Of The Philippines : A Deep Dive Into Each Category

Introduction

Explore the top 5 import products of the Philippines, and you’ll notice a few figures that instantly stand out. Imports for January to May 2025 reached US$57.35 billion, with electrical machinery contributing US$12.49 billion.

What’s behind these shifts, and what do they reveal about the country’s current priorities?

Read the full article to reveal all insights!

Top 5 import products of the Philippines in 2025

The top 5 imports of the Philippines from January to May 2025 are led by electrical machinery, mineral fuels, industrial machinery, vehicles, and plastics, data according to yTrade. Within the same period, Philippines imported US$57.35 billion worth of goods, data provided by yTrade.

What are top 5 imports of Philippines?

• HS 85 – Electrical Machinery & Equipment – US$12.49 billion: The largest import category, driven by the Philippines’ electronics manufacturing and assembly industries.
• HS 27 – Mineral Fuels & Oils – US$7.62 billion: Essential for energy, transport, and power generation, reflecting dependence on imported fuel.
• HS 84 – Machinery & Mechanical Appliances – US$4.75 billion: Supports industrial production, construction, and infrastructure projects.
• HS 87 – Vehicles & Automotive Parts – US$4.62 billion: Driven by rising consumer demand and commercial transport needs.
• HS 39 – Plastics & Articles Thereof – US$2.08 billion: Used across manufacturing, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.

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1. Electrical machinery & equipment – US$12.49 billion

Yes, the Philippines imports a significant amount of electrical machinery and equipment, totaling US$12.49 billion from January to May 2025.

This category represents the country’s largest import segment, driven by strong demand from electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, and the power sector. China supplies the biggest share, followed by Japan and South Korea.

Top 5 import countries for HS 85 (Electrical machinery & equipment)

• China — US$4.22B (33.79%): The Philippines’ largest supplier, providing major volumes of electronics components and industrial electrical equipment.
• Japan — US$1.34B (10.70%): Strong in high-precision electrical machinery, semiconductor parts, and automotive electronics.
• South Korea — US$1.26B (10.09%): Supplies a mix of consumer electronics components and industrial electrical systems.
• United States — US$1.03B (8.24%): Key source of high-value electrical equipment, telecom hardware, and advanced machinery parts.
• Singapore — US$893.64M (7.15%): Functions as a major re-export hub for electronic components and high-tech equipment.

Electrical machinery and equipment remain the top 5 import product of the Philippines, reflecting the economy’s deep reliance on foreign technology to support manufacturing, electronics, telecommunications, and national infrastructure. With imports reaching approximately US$29.14 billion in 2024, this category continues to dominate the country’s import profile.

Instead of being driven by a single segment, the market’s performance is shaped by several high-value import categories, led by:

• Electronic integrated circuits (HS 8542) — the largest subcategory, essential for semiconductor assembly and electronics manufacturing
• Telephone sets and wireless communication devices (HS 8517) — driven by strong consumer demand and constant telecom network upgrades
• Semiconductor devices (HS 8541) — including diodes, transistors, and photovoltaic components for electronics and solar applications
• Insulated wire and electric conductors (HS 8544) — needed for utilities, construction, and expanding digital infrastructure
• Printed circuits (HS 8534) — supporting PCB assembly and electronics production
• Switching and protection apparatus (HS 8536) — crucial for electrical distribution systems and industrial power setups

Demand is consistently driven by several key segments:

• Parts for electrical machines, crucial for local electronics manufacturing
• Electrical control and distribution bases, needed for infrastructure and utilities
• Electric heaters, loudspeakers, and appliance components, supporting both industrial and consumer-driven sectors

In short, electrical machinery is the Philippines’ largest import product in 2025, reaching US$12.49 billion from January to May.

2. Mineral fuels & oils – US$7.62 billion

Where does the Philippines import its oil?

The Philippines imports most of its oil from China, supplying US$1.45 billion worth of mineral fuels, accounting for over 72% of total HS 27 imports. Other key sources include Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, which together support the country’s energy, transport, and industrial fuel demand.

Where does the Philippines import fuel (HS 27)?

• China — US$1.45B (72.30%): The dominant supplier of mineral fuels and refined petroleum products to the Philippines.
• Japan — US$227.72M (11.39%): Provides refined fuels and energy-related petroleum products.
• South Korea — US$88.85M (4.44%): Supplies fuel oils and petrochemical-derived energy products.
• Indonesia — US$68.75M (3.44%): Key regional source of petroleum fuels and related products.
• Kazakhstan — US$58.69M (2.93%): Contributes crude and refined fuel imports as part of diversified sourcing.

If you're interested in understanding how other emerging markets navigate fuel volatility and supplier concentration, see our breakdown of Nigeria Refined Petroleum HS2710 Import Data Overview 2025.

This article showcases a data-driven look into extreme price swings, concentrated buyer segments, and refinery-dependent trade patterns based on processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Mineral fuels and oils remain one of the top 5 import products of the Philippines, reflecting the country’s structural dependence on foreign energy. The Philippines imports more than 99% of its petroleum supply, making this sector one of the most strategically important in its entire import economy.

Market demand is driven primarily by crude petroleum, which reached an estimated US$3.39 billion in imports in 2024. These imports fuel electricity generation, transportation, manufacturing, and industrial operations across the country. Crude petroleum alone ranked among the five most imported products, underscoring the critical role of fuel in sustaining nationwide economic activity.

Beyond crude petroleum, the import market is increasingly shaped by refined fuels, lubricants, and petrochemical derivatives. Major categories include:

• Refined petroleum products for automotive and industrial use
• Lubricants and oils supporting logistics, machinery, and manufacturing
• Petrochemical-based fuels used in plastics, chemicals, and energy-intensive sectors

Sustained demand is supported by the country’s expanding vehicle population, industrial growth, and the ongoing need for stable power generation. Although global price fluctuations and geopolitical risks influence supply, the Philippines continues to diversify sources, with significant volumes historically coming from Asia countries.

In short, mineral fuels and oils accounted for US$7.62 billion in imports, making it the Philippines’ second-largest category in 2025.

3. Machinery & mechanical appliances – US$4.75 billion

The Philippines imports a significant amount of industrial machinery, totaling US$4.75 billion from January to May 2025, according to yTrade. China supplies the largest share, followed by Japan and Hong Kong. These imports support manufacturing, construction, electronics production, and nationwide industrial expansion, making machinery one of the country’s most essential import categories.

Top 5 import countries for HS 84 (Machinery & mechanical appliances)

• China — US$1.84B (38.66%): The top supplier of machinery used in manufacturing, assembly, and construction.
• Japan — US$716.76M (15.09%): Strong in precision machinery, automotive equipment, and high-tech industrial systems.
• Hong Kong, China — US$343.02M (7.22%): A major re-export hub for specialized industrial and electronic machinery.
• Thailand — US$295.99M (6.23%): Provides machinery for food processing, electronics, and automotive industries.
• United States — US$233.03M (4.90%): Key source of advanced machinery and industrial equipment.

As regional trade hubs shape machinery movement across Asia, it’s useful to see how other high-tech sectors behave.

Explore our Vietnam Broadcast Equipment HS8525 Export Data 2025 October Overview to understand how concentrated buyer markets and high-value destinations shape export strategies with insights powered by verified Customs data in the yTrade database.

Machinery and mechanical appliances remain one of the top 5 import products of the Philippines, reflecting the country’s ongoing dependence on foreign equipment to drive infrastructure development, industrial expansion, and agricultural modernization. The domestic industry manufactures only basic or small-scale machines, while larger and more complex equipment is almost entirely imported to meet growing national needs.

Imports come heavily from regional and global partners such as China, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, supplying everything from construction machinery to production equipment. These imports are essential for several high-impact sectors:

• Infrastructure growth, requiring heavy machinery, power systems, and industrial equipment.
• Manufacturing and processing industries, which depend on imported precision machinery.
• Agriculture, where tractors, combine harvesters, and seeders, often supported by programs like the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), play a vital role in accelerating mechanization.

Because local production cannot meet the technical complexity or volume required, machinery imports fill a critical gap in national capability. At the same time, the import environment is regulated to ensure safety and quality. The Philippines enforces:

• Restrictions on used machinery, based on lifespan, intended use, and compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Mandatory clearances from agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for specific machinery categories.
• Compliance with Philippine National Standards, particularly for equipment involving safety or consumer use.

As has been demonstrated, industrial machinery ranked third in the Philippines’ import market in 2025, totaling US$4.75 billion.

4. Vehicles & automotive parts – US$4.62 billion

Between January to May 2025, the Philippines imports a substantial volume of vehicles and automotive parts with value up to US$4.62 billion. Indonesia and Thailand supply more than half of these imports, followed by China and Japan. These shipments support domestic transportation demand, commercial fleets, and the country’s growing automotive market.

Top 5 import countries for HS 87 (Vehicles & automotive parts)

• Indonesia — US$1.39B (29.98%): The Philippines’ largest source of vehicles, especially assembled passenger cars and utility models.
• Thailand — US$1.20B (25.94%): Major exporter of commercial vehicles, automotive components, and CKD (completely knocked down) units.
• China — US$905.23M (19.58%): Supplies affordable vehicles, EV components, motorcycles, and parts.
• Japan — US$643.56M (13.92%): Strong in high-quality automotive parts, hybrid systems, and assembled vehicles.
• India — US$174.65M (3.78%): Key supplier of motorcycles, small vehicles, and essential automotive components.

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Vehicles and automotive parts are firmly positioned among the top 5 import products of the Philippines, reflecting the country’s strong reliance on foreign-made transport equipment, engines, and components. Limited local manufacturing capacity, rising consumer demand, and the expanding commercial fleet all contribute to sustained import growth in this category.

The importation of vehicle parts is highly regulated, requiring formal clearances before shipments can be released from Customs. These regulations ensure safety compliance, proper documentation, and control over the entry of used or potentially unsafe parts into the Philippine market.

Key import requirements include:

• Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI): Must be secured from the DTI-FTEB before the goods are shipped.
• BIS Certification: A Certificate of Authority to Import from the Bureau of Import Services (BIS) is required for Customs clearance.
• Regulation of used engines and parts: Governed under the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN), with strict review to ensure compliance.

Operational considerations are also important, especially for delicate or high-value automotive components. For vehicle importers in Philippines, consider:

• Working with an experienced logistics partner helps streamline documentation, customs coordination, and shipment scheduling.
• Ensuring proper packing and handling prevents damage during transport, a critical step given the weight and fragility of many automotive parts.

Overall, vehicles and automotive parts recorded US$4.62 billion in imports in 2025, placing the category fourth overall. This segment remains a vital pillar of the top 5 import products of the Philippines, driven by continuous mobility needs and long-term dependence on foreign vehicle technologies.

5. Plastics & articles thereof – US$2.08 billion

In the first 5 months of 2025, the Philippines imports US$2.08 billion worth of plastics and plastic products. China supplies over one-third of all HS 39 imports, followed by Japan and Thailand. These plastics support manufacturing, packaging, consumer goods, and industrial production across the country.

Top 5 import countries for HS 39 (Plastics & articles thereof)

• China — US$725.22M (34.85%): The leading source of raw plastics, packaging materials, and molded plastic products.
• Japan — US$310.37M (14.91%): Strong in high-grade polymers and specialized plastic components.
• Thailand — US$212.05M (10.19%): Supplies resin, plastic sheets, and injection-molded goods.
• South Korea — US$147.22M (7.07%): Provides engineering plastics, films, and industrial components.
• Malaysia — US$138.34M (6.65%): Key supplier of plastic packaging, resins, and consumer-grade materials.

Does the Philippines import plastic waste?

Yes, the Philippines does import plastic waste, and this challenge exists alongside its legitimate demand for plastic products, one of the top 5 import products of the Philippines.

In 2024, the country imported over US$593 million in “Other Plastic Products,” with “Plastic Articles” growing 39% from October 2023 to September 2024. These plastics support key industries such as packaging, electronics, automotive manufacturing, construction, and household goods.

Key drivers of plastic product imports include:

• Growing industrial and consumer demand
• Limited domestic petrochemical and plastics production
• High-volume suppliers like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore

However, plastic waste remains a serious import issue. After China’s 2018 ban, the Philippines saw a 150% surge in plastic waste arrivals, often coming from the United States and Japan.

Key facts about plastic waste imports:

• Hazardous or non-recyclable waste entered due to misdeclaration and weak port controls
• 2019 national ban was enacted, but enforcement remains inconsistent
• Illegal dumping, open burning, and marine pollution have been reported

This dual reality, high reliance on legal plastic imports and continued issues with plastic waste, highlights the need for stronger enforcement, improved customs screening, and sustained implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law to manage end-of-life plastics responsibly.

At the end, with a value of US$2.08 billion in 2025, plastics remain a key import category for the Philippines.

Conclusion

The latest data shows the Philippines bringing in US$57.35 billion worth of goods from January to May 2025, with the biggest shares coming from electrical machinery (US$12.49B), fuel (US$7.62B), industrial machinery (US$4.75B), vehicles (US$4.62B), and plastics (US$2.08B). These imports paint a clear picture of what the country relies on most — from keeping factories running to powering daily transport and supporting everyday consumer needs.

As these categories continue to shift, the next step is understanding where demand is rising, which partners are moving the most goods, and where new opportunities or risks may appear.

If you want to keep up with these changes in real time, a quick demo of yTrade will show you exactly how trade is moving across borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the top 5 industries in the Philippines?

• Manufacturing – especially electronics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
• Agribusiness – covering crops, livestock, and food production supply chains.
• Mining & Mineral Processing – nickel, copper, and gold remain high-value sectors.
• Electronics & Semiconductors – one of the strongest contributors to export earnings and industrial activity.
• Pharmaceuticals – the Philippines is considered one of the fastest-growing pharma markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

These align with the country’s heavy import dependence on electrical machinery, mineral fuels, industrial machinery, and plastics, inputs needed to support these sectors.

Q2: Where does the Philippines import steel?

According to the U.S. International Trade Administration:

• 93% of all pipe and tube imports to the Philippines come from China.
• Russia is the largest supplier of semi-finished steel, accounting for 49% (1.7 million metric tons).
• Other suppliers include Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

This import structure supports local construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, industries that rely on semi-finished steel and steel pipes for fabrication.

Q3: What are the top 10 exports of the Philippines?

• Electronics & Semiconductor Devices (microchips, integrated circuits)
• Electrical Machinery & Equipment
• Machinery & Mechanical Appliances
• Machined Goods & Components
• Coconut Oil & Coconut Products
• Bananas & Fresh Fruits
• Carrageenan & Seaweed-based products
• Copper Cathodes & Metal Ores
• Processed Food & Beverages
• Automotive Parts & Wiring Harnesses

Q4: What is the major product of the Philippines?

The Philippines’ major export products are led by semiconductors and electronic products, followed by transport equipment, garments, chemical products, copper, nickel, abaca, coconut oil, and key agricultural outputs like bananas and pineapples.

These sectors drive the country’s export earnings and form the core of its manufacturing and agribusiness industries.

Q5: What are the Philippines' biggest imports?

The top 5 import products of the Philippines in 2025 are:

• Electrical machinery & equipment
• Mineral fuels & oils
• Machinery & mechanical appliances
• Vehicles & automotive parts
• Plastics & articles thereof

These imports support energy demand, manufacturing, construction, consumer transportation, and packaged goods production across the country.

Q6: What is the top 10 export of the Philippines?

The most prominent exports include:

• Electrical machinery and equipment
• Machinery including computers
• Copper and mineral products
• Optical, technical, and medical apparatus
• Ores, slag, and ash
• Fruits and nuts
• Gems and precious metals
• Animal and vegetable fats, oils, and waxes

These reflect the country’s position in global electronics supply chains while remaining competitive in agricultural and resource-based sectors.