Container Backlog in Philippine Ports Drives Up Costs and Risks Food Waste

Hapag-Lloyd announced a suspension of new bookings to Manila, Batangas and Subic Bay through December 31, 2026, citing insufficient space to store and retrieve empty containers. With storage yards at capacity, trucks that have delivered goods are forced to wait, raising labor and financing costs for drivers and shippers. The Bureau of Customs confirmed a buildup of empty boxes, and CNC moved some to an alternative site in Cagayan de Oro.

The bottleneck drives up costs for importers, squeezes small retailers, and can lead to higher grocery prices for consumers. Food shipments are especially vulnerable; customs found 26 unclaimed containers of red onions already spoiling. Experts call for clearer responsibility among shipping firms, importers, port operators and government agencies, as well as transparent fees and a coordinated 100-day recovery plan.