Economic growth in the Philippines is expected to slow to 5.1 per cent this year as increasing tariffs weigh on exports and investment, before picking up moderately to 5.6 per cent in 2026—a downward revision relative to previous forecasts due to sharper-than-expected slowdown in the third quarter (Q3) 2025 (4 per cent year on year), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The country’s growth rose to 5.7 per cent in 2024 on strong public consumption and investment but moderated to 5.4 per cent in the first half of 2025 amid strong imports and an election-related public spending ban.

Potential growth is estimated to be around 6 per cent over the medium term, the IMF said after concluding its 2025 Article IV consultation with the country recently.

Growth in the Philippines is expected to slow to 5.1 per cent this year as increasing tariffs weigh on exports and investment, before picking up moderately to 5.6 per cent in 2026, according to the IMF.
Potential growth is estimated to be around 6 per cent over the medium term.
Inflation is projected to average 1.7 per cent in 2025, and then pick up to 2.8 per cent in 2026 as negative base effects recede.

Inflation declined amid a restrictive monetary policy stance and concerted efforts by the government to reduce food prices. Inflation is projected to average 1.7 per cent in 2025, and then pick up to 2.8 per cent in 2026 as negative base effects recede, the IMF said.

Headline and core inflation averaged 1.7 and 2.4 per cent year on year (YoY) respectively in 2025 as of October.

Gradual fiscal consolidation over the medium term will help reinforce fiscal space.  Accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms would support investor confidence and raise fiscal multipliers and potential growth, the IMF noted.

The risks to the near-term growth outlook are tilted to the downside. The main external risks stem from prolonged global trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and disruptive financial market corrections. On the domestic front, more frequent and intense climate shocks would cause notable macroeconomic losses.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to diversify the trade basket and convene early the 11th Trade and Economic Joint Committee in the first half of 2026 to monitor progress in economic and trade relations.

Modi is on an official 2-day visit to Jordan that ends today.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Indian PM Narendra Modi have agreed to diversify the trade basket and convene early the 11th Trade and Economic Joint Committee in the first half of 2026 to monitor progress in economic and trade relations.
Modi is on an official visit to Jordan.
An MoU on technical cooperation in new and renewable energy was also signed.

A Jordan-India Business Forum was convened on the sidelines of the visit, where representatives from the two countries discussed ways to further strengthen and expand trade and economic cooperation, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.

Addressing the forum, Modi suggested greater business collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, green financing, desalination and water recycling.

The leaders agreed to fully utilise the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, according to a joint statement issued during the visit. This agreement facilitates sharing of information to ensure proper application of Customs Laws and combating of customs offences.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of strengthening transport and logistics connectivity, including the regional integration of Jordan’s transit and logistics infrastructure as a strategic opportunity to advance shared economic interests and private-sector collaboration.

A memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation in new and renewable energy was also signed. Both sides agreed on the exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, organisation of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of equipment, know-how and technology on a non-commercial basis and development of joint research or technical projects on subjects of mutual interest.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

YSE Beauty, the skincare brand founded by entrepreneur Molly Sims, has closed a $15 million Series A funding round.

The funding, led by Silas Capital, with participation from L Catterton and existing investors Willow Growth Partners and Halogen Ventures, will be used to support YSE Beauty’s national expansion across all U.S. Sephora locations and to accelerate growth on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform.

“Molly’s approachable, yet authoritative voice has been a key driver in building the loyal and engaged community supporting the incredible momentum for YSE Beauty,” said Brian Thorne, partner at Silas Capital. 

“Leveraging her insider network of dermatologists, estheticians, and makeup artists, she has curated a lineup of multi-functional skincare-meets-makeup essentials that cater to an underserved Gen X customer that demands results-driven beauty. We’re thrilled to partner with Molly for this next chapter, supporting both the brand’s impressive e-commerce momentum, as well as its quickly scaling wholesale expansion with Sephora.”

Founded in 2023, YSE Beauty targets women aged 35 and older seeking simplified, effective skincare solutions. The brand was inspired by Sims’ personal experience with hyperpigmentation and her desire to address what she saw as a gap in the market for clinically backed products designed for mature skin.

In 2025, YSE Beauty reported 120 percent revenue growth and expects to deliver more than 80 percent growth in 2026. The company anticipates more than doubling its Sephora business while continuing to scale e-commerce, bringing projected revenue to nearly $30 million next year.

“There is so much synergy between our brand, the brands in the Silas portfolio and L Catterton’s deep strategic knowledge of the category. Both firms deeply understand the kind of women we speak to… what she wears, what she values and how she moves through the world. It feels like a true alignment in vision and audience, making it the perfect fit,” added Sims.

“This partnership isn’t just strategic – it’s a shared philosophy and a mutual understanding of what’s going to fuel us and where we want to take the brand next.”