Electronics exports, the country’s biggest dollar earner, grew 51.19 percent to $2.033 billion in the first month of the year over the first month of 2009 as the global economy is on its way to recovery.

Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. president Ernesto Santiago said that if the growth rate is sustained in the next coming months, the country's electronics exports will show a year-on-year increase for the first time since 2008.

Exports of semiconductor and computer related products, the two biggest sectors, registered a 59% and 83% increase, respectively.

“With the global economy on its way to recovery, the industry predicts higher electronics overseas sales this year to a growth target of 15%-20% or even higher as industry’s exports will improve and are expected to post strong annual gains in the coming months,” he said.

Ramping up of production of investments that were put on hold due to low demand because of the global financial crisis experienced in 2008 and 2009 are also expected to spur the growth this year.