CITEM-assisted exhibitors generate over $740M in sales leads in 2025

TRADE SHOW exhibitors from the Philippines generated $740.748 million in export sales leads, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

“This is a 774% accomplishment from the initial target of $95.746 million,” despite the unpredictability of the global market and geopolitical factors,” it said in a statement on Monday.

CITEM “also helped 1,384 enterprises” participate in trade shows, against its original goal of 1,034 for 2025, it added.

Citing preliminary data, the agency said its exhibitors attracted 7,191 trade buyers, nearly double its initial target of 3,865 buyers.

In addition, “CITEM fielded 34,403 trade inquiries, more than four times higher than intended,” it said.

CITEM, the trade department’s export promotion arm, seeks to assist Philippine companies expanding into international markets.

“Central to its work is facilitating opportunities for revenue generation for micro, small and medium enterprises through the annual organization of its signature events, IFEX Philippines and Manila FAME,” it said.

“It also leads the participation of Filipino exporters in overseas trade fairs, as well as in business and market-sensing missions that enable these companies to understand their target foreign market better and network with the right potential investors for their international expansion,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile