Domestic trade turnover exceeds 718 billion pesos (2021; 591 billion in 2020; 835 billion in 2019; 860 billion in 2018; 765 billion in 2017; 872 billion in 2016).
Among commodity groups, machinery and transport equipment account for about 34.9% of turnover, food products and live animals – 22.6%, other industrial goods – 12.1%, mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials – 9.0%, chemical products – 6.4%, other products – 15.0% (2017).
At the regional level, the National Capital Region has the largest share in turnover – 27.0%, Central Visayas – 15.5%, Western Visayas – 15.1%, Eastern Visayas – 12.8%, other regions – 29.6% (2017).
Retail trade in food products continues to develop. Locally produced products account for about 80% of the total food volume, 20% is imported.
The retail sector is dominated by large chains. The main chain retailers in the Philippines are: SM Markets (1985; headquartered in Pasay City, Manila metropolitan area; includes several store formats, including hypermarkets and convenience stores), WalterMart (1992; headquartered in Quezon City; most stores are located in the Manila metropolitan area, in the central and southern parts of Luzon), Robinsons Supermarket (1985; headquartered in Quezon City; retail outlets of various formats – supermarkets, convenience stores, cash & carry, premium service, etc.), Puregold Price Club Inc. (PPCI; 1998; headquartered in Manila; a chain of stores of various formats: from hypermarkets to mini-markets), Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI; 1982; headquartered in Mandaue; hypermarket and supermarket format outlets), Alfamart (1989; joint venture with Indonesian partner; mini-market format).
Online grocery retailing is becoming increasingly popular. In 2018, not only grocery retailers but also third-party marketplaces began to launch their own e-commerce in this sector, introducing a special platform for online grocery sales. The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to a sharp increase in online shopping.