THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recorded a 1.53-percent increase in total cargo throughput for the first quarter of 2026, reaching 66.96 million metric tons (MT). This growth occurred despite a 1.20-percent dip in total shipcalls, which fell to 163,002 during the same period.
Philippine ports are handling higher volumes through improved operational efficiency and larger vessel utilization.
Domestic logistics remain the primary driver of port activity, accounting for 41.03 percent of the total cargo share at 27.47 million MT. Import volumes followed at 26.86 million MT, representing 40.11 percent of the total volume handled. Export cargo stood at 12.63 million MT, or 18.86 percent, reflecting the country’s current engagement in international trade lanes.
Container traffic showed momentum with a 4.30-percent increase, totaling 2,129,697 TEUs compared to the previous year. This uptick in containerized goods highlights a shift toward standardized shipping methods for local and foreign trade. The resilience of this sector indicates that port infrastructure is supporting the demand for supply chain connectivity.
The most significant growth occurred in the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) segment, which surged by 8.81 percent. Total Ro-Ro traffic reached 3,211,267 units, up from 2,951,212 in the first quarter of 2025. This increase underscores a highly active domestic market and higher inter-island mobility for vehicles and commodities.
Passenger mobility also trended upward, with total traffic rising 1.95 percent to reach 19,688,241 passengers. The cruise sector contributed to this, recording 124,875 passengers and 41 shipcalls in the first three months of the year. These figures demonstrate a steady recovery and sustained interest in maritime travel within the region.
PPA's first-quarter performance reflects a transition toward efficiency-led growth in the maritime sector. By maximizing throughput and container handling while shipcalls decline, the PPA shows the impact of terminal modernization.
