Venturing into the US market from the Philippines presents exciting opportunities, but navigating the complexities of international shipping can feel overwhelming. What’s more, import and export policies can vary widely across countries and depend on the different laws the country adopts regarding the import of goods. For example, shipping from the Philippines to the US requires following specific guidelines, such as those set out by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)¹. If you want to save time and money while exporting to the US, you should have the most accurate and up-to-date information at your disposal.
So, we’re going to share key information on shipping from the Philippines to the US, such as tips for shipping, the costs involved, required documents, and the most popular items delivered to the US from the Philippines.
This way, you can confidently send packages and local goods overseas.
Understanding the trade relationship between the Philippines and US
The Philippines and the US have been enjoying long-standing trade relations for many decades. Here are some notable statistics about this solid trade relationship:
- The total estimated value of US goods and services trade with the Philippines was approximately US$23 billion in 20242.
- The US is the Philippines' leading trading partner, accounting for 15.9% of total Filipino exports3.
- In 2024, the country’s top exports to the US are electrical goods (at US$6.40 billion), machinery (at US$1.56 billion), and animal products (at US$559.99 million).
The US can be a lucrative market for Filipino businesses in these industries to expand into, as there is a proven demand for these goods from the Philippines.
Essential shipping tips for exporting successfully from the Philippines to the USA
While going international presents lucrative opportunities for any business, understanding the regulations and taxes in any country can be tedious and time-consuming. To provide some clarity, we have compiled a list of valuable tips before you ship globally.
1. Know the shipping restrictions
Like any country in the world, there is a list of restricted and prohibited products in the US. Learning the country’s policies on what can and cannot be brought in is essential and can save time and unnecessary problems when exporting to the US.
It is also important to know the difference between prohibited and restricted. According to the CBP source above, prohibited means the law forbids the goods from entering the US, while restricted goods means the need to obtain a license or permit before it is allowed in.
Certain products, such as dangerous toys, cars and illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol, are prohibited4 from entering the US. For instance, some restricted items in the USA include firearms, animal products, specific fruits and vegetables5, and require special permits from the respective federal agencies.