Quantity of domestic trade declines, value increases

During the fourth quarter of 2012 the total quantity of domestic trade transactions decreased by 8.6 percent, resulting to 5.04 million tons from 5.52 million tons reported through the same period of last year. The commodities were traded mostly in water comprising 99.9 and 99.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2012, respectively.

On the contrary, the total value of commodities that flowed within the country increased by 13.6 percent from PHP124.84 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 to PHP141.76 billion in the same period of 2012. Trade transaction through water was the principal mode of transport comprising 99.4 percent and 99.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Food and live animals leads total domestic trade value

In the fourth quarter of 2012, food and live animals supplied the largest share among the commodities transacted throughout the country amounting to PHP44.19 billion (31.2%). This was followed by machinery and transport equipment with PHP26.26 billion (18.5%) and manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials with PHP18.35 billion (12.9%). Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes had the least value of PHP1.74 billion (1.2%). (See Table 1)

Likewise, food and live animals contributed the largest among the commodities that were transacted throughout the country in the same period of 2011, amounting to PHP35.33 billion (28.3%). This was followed by machinery and transport equipment with PHP26.97 billion (21.6%) and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material followed with PHP17.15 billion (13.7%). Providing the least value of PHP1.31 billion (1.1%) was animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes. (See Table 1)

NCR accounts for nearly one-third of domestic trade value

Most of the traded commodities came from National Capital Region with value of domestic trade transactions amounting to PHP43.76 billion (30.9%) in the fourth quarter of 2012. Central Visayas was second with PHP25.74 billion (18.2%) followed by Western Visayas with PHP23.62 billion (16.7%). Central Luzon and Northern Mindanao each accounted for PHP12.70 billion (9.0%). Cagayan Valley’s domestic trade contributed the least share among the regions with only PHP31 thousand.

Similarly, in the fourth quarter of 2011, most of the traded commodities originated from National Capital Region with value of domestic trade amounting to PHP29.55 billion (23.7%). Central Visayas was second with PHP22.07 billion (17.7%). Western Visayas was next with PHP16.41 billion (13.1%), followed by Northern Mindanao with PHP12.71 billion (10.2%). Cagayan Valley’s domestic trade contributed the least share among the regions with only PHP65 thousand.

National Capital Region (NCR) posts the highest favorable trade balance

National Capital Region (NCR) posted the most favorable trade balance at PHP16.39 billion during the fourth quarter of 2012. Other regions which surpassed the billion positive trade balance were Central Luzon PHP12.33 billion and Western Visayas PHP1.96 billion. On the other hand, Caraga suffered an unfavorable trade balance of negative PHP6.18 billion. Other regions with more than a billion negative trade balances were Zamboanga Peninsula (PHP5.00 billion), Northern Mindanao (PHP4.92 billion), MIMAROPA (PHP4.23 billion), Eastern Visayas (PHP3.06 billion), CALABARZON (PHP2.73 billion), Davao Region (PHP1.97 billion), SOCCSKSARGEN (PHP1.50 billion) and Ilocos Region (PHP1.19 billion).

In the fourth quarter of 2011, Central Luzon posted the most favorable trade balance at PHP11.73 billion. Other regions which surpassed the billion positive trade balance were National Capital Region (NCR) PHP4.77 billion and Eastern Visayas PHP2.12 billion. On the other hand, Caraga suffered an unfavorable trade balance of negative PHP7.40 billion.

Notes:

1. DOMSTAT reports from the following provinces/cities were not yet received as of March 20, 2013, and were not included in this special release:
   
   1. Palawan – Coastwise (December 2012)
   2. Romblon – Coastwise (November & December 2012)
   3. Masbate – Coastwise (November & December 2012)
   4. Antiique – Coastwise (October 2012)
   5. Bohol – Coastwise (December 2012);  Air (November & December 2012)
   6. Lanao Norte – Coastwise (December 2012) 
   7. South Cotabato – Coastwise (December 2012)
   8. Agusan Norte – Coastwise (November & December 2012);  Air (November & December 2012)
2. As of fourth quarter of 2012,the Philippine National Railways (PNR) still has no trade transaction.