Nelson Morales

A store clerk counts their US dollar bills inside a money changer stall in Manila on September 23, 2022. The Philippine peso fell to a new record low for the fourth straight day today, closing at P58.50 against the US dollar. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Philippines books $320 million net inflows of foreign direct investments in September; YTD inflows hit $5.5 billion

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Foreign direct investment into the Philippines climbed in September, with net inflows rising to $320 million, driven largely by commitments from Japan and a resurgence in manufacturing, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.The latest monthly haul brought total FDI inflows for the January–September 2025 period to $5.5 billion, the central bank said. The figure—equivalent to 1.6 percent of gross domestic product—reflects steady investor interest despite global economic uncertainty and lingering geopolitical tensions.Japan remained the country’s largest source of equity capital for the month and the broader nine-month period, followed by the United States and Singapore. Manufacturing attracted the biggest share of new investments in September, while wholesale and retail trade and real estate also drew significant inflows throughout the first three quarters.The BSP has been closely watching external financing conditions as emerging-market inflows soften globally. The Philippines has been looking at foreign investment to support its expansion plans in high-value manufacturing, technology and supply-chain-linked industries.The country however has lagged behind its neighbors in terms of attracting foreign capital. The government has been hoping that reforms to the country&#x27;s investment laws which liberalized more sectors to foreign investors, would help it catch up to other countries in the region.

Foreign direct investment into the Philippines climbed in September, with net inflows rising to $320 million.

Foreign direct investment into the Philippines climbed in September, with net inflows rising to $320 million.