Philippines Customs Collections Rise 5.1% in August, Maintain Annual Surplus

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) collected P81.361 billion in August, up 5.1% from a year earlier, slightly short of its target for the month due to weather disturbances and work suspensions. In a statement on Monday, the BoC said August collections rose were P3.925 billion higher that the year-earlier total. “While collections for the month were slightly below the August target, the Bureau’s strong year-to-date performance enabled it to maintain a cumulative surplus of P5.467 billion, keeping collections above the revenue goal for the period,” it said. Collections in the first eight months hit a record P664.776 billion, 0.8% above the target for the period and 7% higher than the year-earlier total. The BoC said poor weather in August disrupted trade and government operations. “These challenges affected both the movement of goods and the operations of Customs personnel, particularly across ports and collection districts,” it said. “The impact was felt across nearly two weeks of disrupted work, while the unloading and processing of shipments in several ports were likewise stalled due to heavy rains, affecting the timely movement of cargo and related Customs activities,” it added. Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said: “The P5.467-billion surplus we have sustained is a result of hard work and dedication, as well as the continued trust and cooperation of our partner industries and stakeholders.” For the remainder of the year, he said the BoC will seek to sustain “strong revenue performance through improved compliance, accurate valuation and declaration, enhanced enforcement efforts, and close collaboration with the trading community.” “With four months remaining in 2026, the BoC will continue to build on its year-to-date surplus while advancing reforms that enhance revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and deliver more efficient and responsive Customs services,” he added. The BoC’s eight-month collections accounted for 65.8% of its P1.011-trillion target for 2026. — Justine Irish D. Tabile