BSP warns of wider BOP deficit in 2026Amid global headwindsMANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects the country’s balance of payments (BOP) deficit to widen in 2026 as external headwinds persist, prompting a downward revision in its latest quarterly forecasts. In a statement, the BSP said the country’s BOP position is projected to post a deficit of $5.9 billion in 2026, equivalent to 1.2 percent of gross domestic product, wider than the $3.4-billion deficit or 0.6 percent of GDP projected in the previous quarter. This keeps the trade balance under pressure and contributes to the wider external gap. Services exports are now seen at $54.7 billion in 2026, slightly lower than earlier expectations, while services imports are unchanged at $42.3 billion. The current account deficit is projected at $15.3 billion in 2026, or three percent of GDP, wider than the $15.5 billion or 2.9 percent of GDP previously projected.

Source: Philippine Star December 27, 2025 16:31 UTC