Philippine GDP expanded 5.7% in Q1 but headwinds persist

Inflation, up for third consecutive month, hampers 2024 growth prospects

20240508 Manila food vendors

Food prices have risen in Philippine fresh markets as El Nino hurts agriculture.   © Reuters

RAMON ROYANDOYAN, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- The Philippine gross domestic product grew by 5.7% in the January-March period, anchored by household spending and exports, but slower growth ahead is feared due to accelerating inflation and high interest rates.

The first quarter's GDP growth was higher than the 5.5% recorded in the preceding quarter, according to data released by Philippine Statistics Authority on Thursday. The government said in April that it expects the economy to grow between 6.0% and 7.0% this year.

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