Phl logistics industry grows 11% in 3 months

The Philippine logistics industry grew by double digits in the first quarter of the year, building up confidence that it can withstand external risks from the Trump tariffs.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

Based on data from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), cargo traffic in ports rose by 11 percent to 65.77 million metric tons from January to March, from 59.52 MMT a year ago.

The PPA said container throughput jumped by 13 percent to 2.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units, from 1.8 million TEUs, showing the industry's resilience ahead of the shake-up in world trade.

On April 2, US President Donald Trump shocked the global economy by slapping higher tariffs on dozens of economies, including the Philippines. This policy has been placed on hold for 90 days since April 9, but it was enough to trigger shockwaves of uncertainties.