The Philippines’ international trade boom entered its 22nd straight month with an 18% rise vs. a year earlier. The expansion was led by imports of commodities with the result that total imports rose 32% on a year earlier. Export growth was lackluster at just 0.3% and reflects a decline in shipments to Japan among others. The rapidly fragmenting RCEP talks may mean rescue from a regional trade deal is unlikely in the near-term. Shipments to China, which rose 11%, may be interrupted by reduced import needs resulting from the trade war with America. A trade deal with the U.S., exports to wh...