The Central Bank of the Philippines published foreign direct investment (FDI) data showing net inflows rose year on year in May 2025 to USD 586 million from USD 483 million, led by stronger nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments. Despite the May increase, cumulative net FDI inflows for January to May 2025 fell to USD 3.0 billion from USD 4.0 billion a year earlier. The May increase was driven by an 88.3% year-on-year rise in net investments in debt instruments to USD 427 million, while reinvestment of earnings was broadly stable at USD 97 million. This was partly offset by a 61.4% decline in net equity capital inflows (excluding reinvestment of earnings) to USD 62 million, with equity capital placements mainly from the United States, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, and concentrated in manufacturing, real estate, and electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply. The central bank noted its FDI statistics are compiled under the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition (BPM6), presented on a net basis, and differ from other government sources that report approved investment commitments.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2025-08-11
Central Bank of the Philippines reports May net FDI inflows up 21.3% to USD 586 million as debt instruments drive gains
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a year-on-year increase in net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to USD 586 million in May 2025, driven by an 88.3% rise in net investments in debt instruments. However, cumulative net FDI inflows for January to May 2025 decreased to USD 3.0 billion from USD 4.0 billion the previous year. The data, compiled under the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition, highlighted a 61.4% decline in net equity capital inflows.