The Philippines' total external trade in goods reached $20.38 billion in April, up 16.1% from $17.55 billion a year earlier, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Friday.
Exports rose 6.3% to $7.21 billion from $6.78 billion in April, driven by higher shipments of machinery and transport equipment, coconut oil, and other mineral products.
Meanwhile, imports jumped 22.4% to $13.17 billion from $10.77 billion a year earlier, supported by strong growth in electronic products and mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.
Electronic products remained the country's top export category during the month, accounting for 47.7% of total export sales, the data showed.