Ocean‑based industries contributed a four‑year low to the Philippine economy in 2025, falling amid a decline in fishery production, softer global trade, weather disruptions, and rising operating costs.
Preliminary data show the sector accounted for 3.8% of gross domestic product at current prices in 2025, down from 3.9% in 2024. This share is the lowest recorded since 3.7% in 2021.
Gross value added rose 5.3% to P1.08 trillion in 2025 from P1.02 trillion in 2024, a slower expansion than the 6.2% growth seen in 2024. It represents the weakest growth in five years, following the 25.6% contraction in 2020.
Commercial fisheries and marine municipal fishery production declined due to fish stock depletion and habitat degradation, contributing to the sector’s reduced GDP share.
Fishery production reached 3.96 million metric tons in 2025, a 2.5% decrease from 4.06 million metric tons in 2024.
While the ocean economy expanded 5.3%, headwinds from softer global trade, weather‑related disruptions, and higher operating costs tempered growth compared with previous years.
Ocean fishing represented 24.1% of the total ocean economy, equivalent to P259.59 billion. Manufacture of ocean‑based products followed at 21.3% (P229.03 billion), sea‑based transportation and storage at 16.3% (P175.74 billion), and coastal accommodation and food‑and‑beverage services at 12.1% (P130.27 billion).
Maritime safety, surveillance, and resource management grew the fastest, increasing 31.7% to P63.87 billion from P48.49 billion a year earlier. Marine insurance expanded 29.6% to P16.32 billion, while sea‑based transportation and storage grew 10.8%. Coastal recreation declined 16.4% to P52.85 billion, reversing a 6.6% rise in 2024.
The sector created 2.46 million jobs in 2025, a 3.4% rise from 2.38 million in 2024, accounting for 5% of total employment nationwide.
Ocean fishing employed 37.8% of the sector’s workforce, or 928,000 people. Sea‑based transportation and storage accounted for 23.6% (580,000 workers), and coastal accommodation and food‑and‑beverage services for 21.7% (534,000 workers).
Moderate performance is anticipated for the year. High energy costs linked to Middle East conflicts will constrain fuel‑dependent maritime production, while commercial and ocean fishing activities are expected to underperform due to climate risks, weather disturbances, and resource depletion. Sea‑based transportation, storage, coastal construction, and maritime tourism are projected to maintain momentum.
Ongoing investments in ports, logistics, tourism, aquaculture, and blue‑economy initiatives are expected to drive future growth within the sector.
