DHL to hike Philippines service rates by 5.9% starting next year
Logistics giant DHL Express is increasing the prices of its services in the Philippines by 5.9 percent beginning next year to reflect additional costs driven by protectionist policies and rapidly evolving trade landscape.
In a statement on Friday, Sept. 26, DHL Express said the adjustment to delivery rates will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
The company previously revised prices upward by 5.9 percent for this year.
DHL Express Philippines Country Manager Director Nigel Lockett said the price increase affirms the company’s commitment to deliver the best services to its customers.
The hike is seen as a means to cushion additional costs that are increasing due to the shifting trade environment, particularly driven by the tariff policy of the United States (US).
Under US President Donald Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs, exporters to the US now pay higher taxes compared to traditionally lower costs in previous years.
For the Philippines, its domestic exporters will pay an additional 19 percent tariff before their goods and services are allowed entry to the US.
“We remain committed to helping our customers navigate the complexities of the current global trade landscape, which has been significantly impacted by recent geopolitical shifts,” said Lockett.
“With this annual price adjustment, we can continue to enhance our network’s resilience and adaptability, ensuring consistent support for our customers' businesses irrespective of external factors,” he added.
DHL Express adjusts the prices of its services annually, taking into account inflation and currency fluctuations.
The company also revises its rates to cover administrative costs related to regulatory and security measures.
DHL Express noted that local and global authorities regularly update measures for logistics across the over 220 countries and territories it serves.
Depending on local conditions, the price adjustments will vary by country or territory.
Prior to the official imposition of the US tariffs, the 2025 DHL Trade Atlas published in March identified the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing countries in the global trade landscape.
The report, prepared by DHL Express’ parent firm DHL and New York University's Stern School of Business, cited the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia as projected leaders in trade growth within the period of 2024 to 2029.
The Philippines’ growth is expected to be driven by its electronics sector, particularly semiconductors, which is the country’s current top export.
Affirming its commitment to the Philippines, DHL earlier signed an agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to strengthen the export readiness of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The agreement outlines the logistics advisory support and knowledge-sharing initiatives for MSMEs led by DHL, through its three business units: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain.