Domestic trade rises in 3rd quarter

MANILA, Philippines — Domestic trade of goods rose both in terms of volume and value in the third quarter of the year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported yesterday.

The total quantity of domestic trade rose to 5.09 million tons in the third quarter, higher by 0.8 percent from 5.05 million tons in the third quarter of 2018.

Food and live animals were the most-traded commodity during the quarter, making up 23.4 percent of the total volume followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials and manufactured goods.

The value of goods traded locally likewise rose to P204.53 billion in the third quarter, higher by 20.1 percent from P170.33 billion a year ago.

Local shipments of machinery and transport equipment pushed up the aggregate value of goods as it made up 30.4 percent of the total value of shipments.

Domestic trade balance remains most favorable in the National Capital Region (NCR) at P61.37 billion as the value of outflow of goods exceeded inflows.

Favorable trade balances were also seen in Eastern Visayas at P16.73 billion, and Bicol Region at P6.33 billion.

Among the regions, trade balance was most unfavorable in Central Visayas at P42.02 billion as inflows exceeded outflows.

Statistics on domestic trade are obtained from manifests in major ports and other active seaports as well as waybills from Philippine Airlines.