7% exports growth seen

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that Philippine exports of goods and services in 2013 are seen to have grown by nearly 10 percent from figures in 2012, thus outpacing the prior year’s increase on the back of strong outsourcing and tourism performance as well as a preliminary recovery in merchandise shipments.

Total exports likely ended 2013 with at least a 5.8-percent growth,     or as much as 7.2 percent, based on the amount ranging from $74.8 billion to $75.8 billion, with the high end of the forecast topping the 6.7-percent hike in 2012 compared to 2011, according to DTI- Bureau of Export Trade Promotions estimates.