PPA reports 11% cargo increase in Q1 2025

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported a 11% increase in cargo handling during the first quarter of 2025, primarily driven by foreign imports.

Total cargo throughput for January to March reached 65.77 million metric tons, up from 59.52 million metric tons in the same period last year.

Foreign cargo throughput accounted for 37.49 million metric tons, with imports at 26.77 million metric tons and exports at 10.71 million metric tons.

Container traffic increased by 13.31% to 2.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) compared to the previous year's 1.80 million TEUs.

Passenger traffic, however, declined slightly by 2.29% to 18.42 million from 18.85 million in 2024.

PPA forecasts cargo throughput of 301.47 million metric tons and a passenger volume growth of 9.5% to 85.41 million by the end of 2025, with plans for new seaports and major port projects.