THE total quantity of domestic trade in the Philippines grew by 8.4 percent in 2024, reaching 30 million tons, up from 27.66 million tons in 2023, according to the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Nearly all trade (99.9 percent) was transported by sea, with the rest by air.
Food and live animals accounted for the largest share at 8.55 million tons (28.5 percent), followed by mineral fuels and lubricants (16.7 percent). The National Capital Region (NCR) led in traded volume with 6.98 million tons (23.3 percent), trailed by Central Luzon (18.8 percent) and Western Visayas (16.1 percent).
The value of domestic trade surged by 23.1 percent to P1.31 trillion, up from P1.07 trillion in 2023.
The majority (99.8 percent) were transported via sea routes. Food and live animals topped trade value at P466.65 billion (35.6 percent), followed by machinery and transport equipment (23.5 percent).
NCR recorded the highest trade value at P451.41 billion (34.4 percent), while Central Visayas led in inflow value at P236.45 billion (18 percent).
PSA said the top three regions with positive trade balances were NCR (P225.11 billion), Western Visayas (P134.15 billion), and Central Luzon (P51.69 billion), while Central Visayas, Calabarzon and Caraga posted trade deficits. / KOC