The Philippines has made its second shipment of mangoes to Australia, contributing to the growth of bilateral trade between the two countries, which saw a 20 percent increase to $4.1 billion in 2023. This export initiative aligns with the Philippine government's broader economic agenda to enhance agricultural trade and market access. The Trade Secretary, Alfredo Pascual, emphasized the potential of the Australian market for Filipino products and highlighted the role of free trade agreements, like the AANZFTA, in facilitating these trade relations. Efforts are also underway to negotiate free trade agreements with the EU, UAE, and Canada.
The logistics company FastboxPH, responsible for the mango shipment, reported a significant demand for Philippine mangoes in Australia, attributed to their quality and taste. This positive market response has set the stage for continuous and expanded Philippine mango exports to Australia. FastboxPH plans to broaden its distribution network within Australia to ensure that more consumers can access Philippine mangoes, thereby strengthening the trade relationship and enhancing the visibility of Philippine agricultural products in the Australian market.
The Philippine government, through its Trade and Investment Center in Sydney, is committed to promoting high-quality Philippine agricultural exports, with mangoes being a key focus. This effort is part of a strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia, aiming to foster stronger trade ties and economic cooperation. The successful mango export serves as a milestone in this partnership and coincides with the celebration of Filipino Food Month in April, highlighting the cultural and economic connections between the two countries and paving the way for increased bilateral trade and collaboration.