THE first shipment of Philippine mangoes to Canada is a milestone, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said on Tuesday.
“This demonstrates the growing competitiveness of [our] exports and the strong partnership between government and industry in opening new opportunities for Filipino farmers,” Roque said.
“Canada is a promising market for premium Philippine products, and this shipment shows that our exporters can successfully compete in high-potential destinations.”
On June 3, the Philippines shipped 400 cartons of Carabao mangoes to Toronto, one of the markets in North America for premium tropical fruits.
Carabao mangoes are world-famous for their exceptional sweetness, tender texture and rich aroma. There are multiple strains of the Carabao mango grown across the country, with the provinces of Guimaras and Zambales known for producing premium variants.
The transaction brought together stakeholders from the Departments of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Philippine Air Lines, Hi-Las Marketing Corp. and TSI Tropical Inc. to support the establishment of a commercial export pathway for Philippine mangoes to the Canadian market, helping address long-standing challenges associated with logistics and market access.
The shipment was coordinated by the Philippine Agriculture Office in Washington, D.C., the Philippine Consulate General, the Philippine Trade Investment Center in Toronto and mango industry stakeholders.
Exporting the fruit to Canada is critical for the long-term success of the country’s mango industry, Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said.
In 2025, mango exports totaled $7.9 million.
“Securing market access is only the first step. It does not automatically translate into product access,” Rodolfo said. “Canada is a strategic market, and sustained business engagement is needed to build awareness, establish distribution channels and generate demand. As we work toward a free trade agreement, active participation in major trade events will help position Philippine products to fully realize the benefits of future trade opportunities.”
This year, the country wants to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement with Canada.
The first round of negotiations were held Feb. 18–20, and the second on April 13–17.
The third round will happen in July.
In 2025, total bilateral merchandise trade between the Philippines and Canada reached $2.14 billion, with exports at $1.31 billion and imports at $840 million.
Canada ranks 16th among the Philippines’ trading partners.
