With UK exports to the Philippines reaching £1.1 billion from Q2 2023 to Q1 2024, there’s huge potential for UK businesses to grow in this market. From pharmaceuticals to electrical goods, demand for high-quality UK products is on the rise as the Philippines expands its industries and infrastructure. No matter if you’re already exporting or looking to tap into future trends in international trade, we’re here to help with shipping from UK to the Philippines and make the most of the opportunities there.
UK and The Philippines Trade Overview
Trade between the UK and the Philippines has been on a steady rise, with exports more than doubling since 2014. This growth highlights stronger ties between the two countries and opens up great opportunities for UK exporters to tap into this thriving market.
Source: gov.uk
While there have been some recent dips in the export of goods due to global market changes (e.g., COVID-19 and the global recession), the overall outlook for total trade and the value of exports is still positive. The Philippine economy is expanding, fueled by investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy, which creates fresh opportunities for UK companies. As of Q1 2024, the Philippines ranks as the UK’s 61st largest trading partner, with UK exports hitting £1.1 billion.
Even with this expansion, there’s still plenty of room for growth. The Philippines imports a wide range of goods, and UK businesses are in a strong position to meet the need for products like pharmaceuticals, electrical components, and vehicles. As the Philippine government continues upgrading its infrastructure and improving public services, the need for high-quality UK-made goods is expected to keep rising.
Top Export Goods to the Philippines from the UK in 2024
As of July 2024, the ONS reports that the top 5 goods exported from the UK to the Philippines are electrical goods, meat and meat preparations, medicinal and pharmaceutical products, aircraft and cars. Each category shows strong demand, offering plenty of opportunities for UK businesses looking to expand.
Electrical Goods
Electrical goods lead the way, making up 25.1% of all UK exports to the Philippines, with a total value of £148 million. As the Philippines continues to invest in technology and build its infrastructure, the preference for UK-manufactured electrical components and machinery is on the rise.
At SLG Logistics, we offer flexible air freight and sea freight solutions to make shipping your electrical goods to the Philippines easy. For urgent or high-value shipments, our air freight service ensures fast delivery to keep your supply chain running smoothly. For larger or less time-sensitive shipments, our sea freight option gives you a cost-effective way to get your products to market efficiently.
Meat and Meat Preparations
The Philippines imported £37.2 million worth of meat and meat products from the UK, making it the second-most imported product group. Consumption is growing for premium food, and UK poultry, beef, and lamb are increasingly popular for their high-quality standards.
At SLG Logistics, handling perishable cargo is one of our specialities, so you can trust that your meat and meat products will arrive at their destination in perfect condition. We offer temperature-controlled shipping, fast transit options, and expert handling to maintain food safety, freshness and quality throughout the journey. With our extensive global network, we can efficiently ship your perishable cargo to the Philippines and other international markets.
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products
The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the Philippines, creating a strong market for UK-manufactured pharmaceuticals. With £35.5 million in exports, this sector is expected to continue expanding as healthcare access widens.
At SLG Logistics, we know how important it is to handle pharmaceuticals with care. Our team is trained to expertly manage chilled and frozen products, ensuring everything is handled safely from pickup to delivery. With temperature-controlled shipping and fast transit options, we make sure your sensitive medicinal products stay effective throughout the journey, so you can trust they’ll arrive in optimal condition to meet product standards.
Aircraft
As the Philippines’ aviation industry expands, so does the need for UK aircraft and related equipment. The UK exported £28.7 million worth of aircraft, and with increasing air travel and cargo services, this sector shows great potential for future opportunities.
Our Out of Gauge (OOG) services are ideal for shipping large or irregularly shaped aircraft parts and equipment. Whether it’s engines, fuselage components, or oversized machinery, we’ve got the know-how to handle complex shipments that don’t fit standard containers. Our team guarantee these important parts are safely loaded and transported, either by air or sea freight. As the aviation industry in the Philippines continues to grow, we’re here to help you meet the rising demand for UK aircraft parts with efficient, customised shipping solutions built for the aerospace sector.
Cars
With £26.8 million in UK car exports, the automotive sector plays a key role in the trade relationship between the UK and the Philippines. As the Philippines modernises its transport infrastructure, the interest in UK cars and automotive technology will keep increasing.
We make it simple and stress-free to export cars. No matter if you’re sending a single car or a full shipment, we’ve got the expertise to guarantee safe, reliable delivery. From classic cars to family vehicles, we offer flexible options for vehicle shipping from the UK to the Philippines to meet your needs.
Opportunities for UK Businesses
As industries expand and new sectors emerge, several promising areas are expected to grow, offering UK exporters opportunities to thrive by supplying high-demand goods and commodities.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment
The Philippines is making big strides in improving its healthcare infrastructure, including plans to automatically enrol citizens into the National Health Insurance scheme, covering free medical consultations and lab tests. Pharmaceuticals are already one of the top imports from the UK, but the UK government has carried out further research and identified opportunities in areas like oncology and diabetes care. This creates a prime opportunity for UK producers supplying pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare technology, where British products are highly valued for their quality and innovation.
Renewable Energy Products
As the Philippines shifts toward renewable energy, there is a strong call for solar panels, wind turbines, and other green technologies. UK exporters are in a strong position to meet this growing need as the country ramps up investment in environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Maritime Security
With its vast coastline, the Philippines is investing more in maritime security. This opens up an opportunity for UK businesses to supply defence technology and maritime equipment. This focus on strengthening naval capabilities creates a promising market for UK exporters to support the country’s security needs and contribute to its expanding maritime infrastructure.
Infrastructure Development
The Philippine government’s Build, Build, Build program is driving large-scale infrastructure projects, from railways and aviation to roads, bridges, and water systems. As the demand for high-quality products increases, UK companies that produce construction materials, heavy machinery, and engineering equipment can find excellent opportunities to supply goods for these infrastructure developments.
Ready to Grow? Start Exporting to the Philippines from the UK
If your business can supply some of the top export goods to the Philippines from the UK, now is the time to take action with SLG Logistics. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, from handling paperwork and navigating customs to arranging smooth and efficient shipping, ensuring your products reach the Philippines without a hitch.
Get in touch today to get a quote for shipping your goods from the UK to the Philippines, and let us help you take advantage of this thriving market.