As a nation of more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines relies heavily on maritime trade. Ports, serving as the main link between regions and the wider global economy, continue to see a surge in ship traffic, cargo volume, and cruise passenger arrivals.
Data from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) show that ship calls rose by 3.11% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 153,867 compared to 149,224 during the same period last year.
Ports across the country handled 65.77 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo throughput, up from 59.52 MMT during the same period last year. Most of the movement came from domestic cargo, which totaled 28.28 MMT. Imports followed at 26.77 MMT, while exports reached 10.71 MMT.
Beyond national trade, ports have a direct impact on consumers. When port operations face congestion or inefficiencies, it often results in increased shipping expenses, which may translate into higher prices of basic goods. On the other hand, efficient port systems help keep transportation costs manageable, ensuring goods reach markets promptly and affordably. In this regard, port performance affects both large-scale business operations and everyday household consumption.
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