-- The Philippines' total external trade in goods reached $20.16 billion in March, based on seasonally adjusted data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Thursday.
Exports inched up 0.4% to $7.81 billion from $7.78 billion in February, supported by a 7% rise in manufactured goods, while mineral and agro-based products declined.
Meanwhile, imports slid 2% to $12.35 billion from $12.60 billion, weighed down by lower consumer and capital goods imports, although raw materials and intermediate goods increased.
Manufactured goods remained the country's top export category during the month, the data showed.