PH tipped to be world’s 15th fastest-growing trader by 2029

DHL Trade Atlas 2025 covers data from the past five years up to January 2025.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is expected to be among global leaders in terms of trade growth over the next five years, both in terms of speed and volume, according to a report from logistics firm DHL Express.

Issued jointly with the New York University Stern School of Business, the 292-page report titled DHL Trade Atlas 2025 covers data from the past five years up to January 2025.

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The report forecasts that the Philippines will rank 15th in terms of growth rate in the five-year period up to end-2029.

This would mean an improvement of 114 notches as the Philippines ranked 129th based on growth rate in the 2019-2024 period.

According to the report, the Philippines’ trading activities grew by a mere one percent in volume during 2019-2014. For the next five years, Philippine trade is expected to grow by 7 percent.

Also, the Philippines is tipped to rise to 30th globally in terms of absolute growth in volume, from 68th in the previous five years.

The country is grouped with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, which are expected to be the new entrants in the top 30 for both rankings—speed and scale.

“As we look toward the future of trade in Asia, it’s clear how trade growth has proven surprisingly resilient in the face of recent disruptions. With the ongoing diversification of supply chains that continues to reshape the commerce landscape, Asia has steadfastly emerged as a key player in the global market,” said Ken Lee, DHL Express CEO for the Asia-Pacific region. INQ