Logistics players mixed on 2026 growth prospects

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January 25, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — At least half of the Philippine logistics industry is looking at 2026 with growth prospects, betting against forecasts that global trade would slow down on the weight of policy uncertainties.

Based on DP World’s Global Trade Observatory Annual Outlook Report, 50 percent of shippers in the Philippines are expecting trade to grow this year at the same rate as 2025.

Their confidence is unbothered by initial projections made by the world’s most reputable lenders like the International Monetary Fund, which expects trade growth to slow to 2.3 percent in 2026.

The other half of the industry, however, is heading into the year with gloomy prospects. The report said 45 percent of Philippine shippers anticipate trade to be slower this year, and five percent went as far as saying it would decline.

This is supported by the findings that more shippers are becoming concerned of risks from policy uncertainties. They said their confidence is shrouded by the climate crisis, geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures, shaky rules, tariff wars, among others.

In the Philippines, 68 percent view policy uncertainty as a high risk in doing business, with just five percent saying it is the least of their concerns right now.

The bright spot for the country remains to be its young demographic, drawing optimism from the oncoming demand from new consumers, according to the report.

Moreover, there is opportunity for the country to explore other markets, as 48 percent said they want to maximize friendshoring, or the practice of trading with economic and political allies.

Globally, the report pointed to technology as the industry with the highest growth prospects this year. Technology will become a growth driver from here onward, the report said, as investments pour on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

By region, the highest growth potential is traced to Europe (22 percent) and China (17 percent). Asia and the Pacific ranks next (14 percent), while North America – where the US is located – is trailing behind (13 percent).

The report, funded by DP World and developed with the Horizon Group, gathered the insights of about 3,500 executives from the logistics industry across eight industries and 19 countries.