Retail boom fuels Davao's rise as key shipping point

Davao City is emerging as a viable alternative to Manila for shipments of agricultural commodities on the back of an expanding retail network, according to a report of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

- DEXTER BARRO II

The USDA said the growing economy of Davao City, which serves as the economic and administrative hub of Mindanao, makes it an attractive market for exporters.

Last year, the economy of the “King City of the South” was valued at approximately $13 billion, accounting for more than half of Davao Region’s gross domestic product (GDP) of $25 billion.

The foreign agency noted that the city has taken key initiatives such as a food terminal complex, coastal road, and port expansion to further fuel growth in trade and logistics in the coming years.

“These developments position Davao City as a dynamic and strategic market for future US exports, particularly in agriculture, construction materials, and consumer goods,” the report read.