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DHL Express Philippines projects double-digit growth in shipment volumes this year despite external geopolitical and logistics-related uncertainties
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The company sees small and medium enterprises to remain a key growth driver
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DHL is strengthening SME export readiness through its GoTrade program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry
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DHL’s positive outlook is reinforced by the Philippines’ inclusion in the Geographic Tailwinds 20, which identifies fast-growing economies expected to benefit from shifts in global trade and supply chains
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The company is assessing the potential establishment of a gateway facility in Clark as part of its broader expansion strategy
DHL Express Philippines projects double-digit growth in shipment volumes for this year, notwithstanding external pressures such as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that may influence global logistics and trade patterns.
The company’s vice president for Commercial Roderick Queppet expressed confidence in sustaining business expansion, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expected to remain a principal driver of performance.
“Right now, what we are aiming for is to grow our business consistently,” Queppet told the media, citing that the growth rate of cargo being handled is already at double-digit level.
SMEs currently account for approximately 30% of DHL’s business in the Philippines, reflecting their growing participation in cross-border trade and their importance to the company’s long-term strategy.
Government data shows that SMEs, along with micro businesses, comprise 99% of Philippine businesses and account for around one third of national economic output.
READ: DTI forms supply chain & logistics ‘guild’ to assist MSMEs
“It’s not a perfect environment in the Philippines so far. But what we are excited about is that SMEs actually contributed significantly to our growth,” Queppet said.
To support this segment, DHL continues to strengthen export readiness initiatives through GoTrade, a program implemented in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry.
Under this initiative, the company aims to train up to 700 SMEs this year, focusing on key areas such as export requirements, customer targeting, free trade agreements, and cross-border logistics.
READ: DTI, DHL ink deal to boost MSMEs’ export readiness
In addition, DHL intends to hold its GoTrade Summit in the Philippines in October as a side event of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community.
“Our ambition is to have at least 600 MSMEs in the conference to participate and engage in workshops… to equip them with the knowledge, together with the partners, to be able to trade cross-border,” said Sarah Meinert, GoTrade head at DHL Group.
The company’s positive outlook is further supported by the Philippines’ inclusion in DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds 20, a group of fast-growing economies expected to benefit from geopolitical shifts, supply chain diversification, and evolving global trade routes.
The group also includes ASEAN neighbors Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam as well as India and China.
Although the country continues to face competition from regional peers in attracting foreign investment, DHL views strong domestic demand and a resilient services sector as supportive factors.
READ: DHL Express boosts PH network with P650M Manila Gateway
DHL Philippines is also assessing the potential establishment of a gateway facility in Clark as part of its broader growth strategy.
Queppet said they are “still assessing” the Clark option, noting the investments that are lined up in Clark, which is being positioned as a key aviation hub.
READ: DOTr, BCDA to set up industrial, transport hub in Clark airport
