PEZA investments slumped almost 70% in April 2025

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority reports P63.523 billion in investment approvals in the first four months. (Photo from PEZA/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines – The value of investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) plunged by nearly 70 percent in April to P4.58 billion from P15 billion in the same month last year, likely on uncertainties surrounding sweeping tariffs unleashed by US President Donald Trump.

The slump this month followed a stronger performance in March, when Peza approved P6.01 billion worth of investments—a little more than double the P2.855 billion posted in the same month last year.

The April figure brought total investment approvals in the first four months to P63.523 billion, more than double the P29.955 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.

READ: PEZA sees trade, investment boost despite US tariffs on Philippine goods

In terms of project volume in April alone, the number of new and expansion projects slipped to 20 from 23 last year.The 20 projects consist of seven in export manufacturing, five in information technology and business process management, four in facilities, in utilities, one in logistics and one catering to the domestic market.

These will be located across the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Central Visayas.

Despite the recorded downturn in April, Peza Director General Tereso Panga said he remained optimistic about the influx of foreign direct investments, citing a continued upward trend in investment approvals.

“Despite the geopolitical challenges, this momentum reflects renewed investor confidence in the Philippines as a resilient and globally competitive destination,” Panga said in a statement. INQ