As global trade routes shift toward efficiency and specialized handling, the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) and World Trade Center (WTC) Greater Philadelphia are proud to announce a strategic focus on expanding trade corridors between the U.S. East Coast and the growing ASEAN economies.
This momentum culminates in Philadelphia hosting the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) from April 19 to 22, 2026, bringing together international policymakers, investors, and business leaders to explore the future of global commerce.
Ranked by the World Bank and S&P as the #1 most productive port in North America for the second consecutive year, PhilaPort has seen container volumes surge by 39% since 2020. The port has distinguished itself as a national leader in the cold chain, with nearly two-thirds of its 2025 imports consisting of temperature-controlled cargo.
“We are excited to use our productivity to serve U.S. exporters to the growing ASEAN economies and to be a gateway for ASEAN exporters to the U.S. East Coast and Canada,” said Sean Mahoney, Senior Director of Marketing at PhilaPort.
“While we are working hard to establish a direct service with ASEAN nations, our current infrastructure already provides an elite entry point for the region’s high-demand exports.”
With ASEAN exports exceeding $2 trillion in 2024—and the U.S. accounting for $339 billion of that total—Philadelphia is positioned as a vital alternative to traditional West Coast entry points. Recent trade developments, including a 2025 preliminary agreement between Manila and Washington, D.C. regarding tariff adjustments, have cleared the path for Philippine companies to expand their footprint in the U.S.
Key Philippine exports, such as bananas, pineapples, and coconut oil, align perfectly with Philadelphia’s specialized chilled and frozen cargo capabilities. Using Philadelphia’s robust rail and trucking networks, these goods can reach supermarket supply chains across the East Coast and Midwest with unprecedented speed.
The upcoming GBF, organized by WTC Greater Philadelphia, will serve as a catalyst for these emerging partnerships. Several Philippine firms in the food, logistics, and sustainable materials sectors have already expressed interest in the forum.
“Philadelphia is proud to invite our global partners to join us as we highlight the leadership and connections shaping international business,” said Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia. “For participants, this translates into practical outcomes—meeting partners, exploring market entry strategies, and identifying investment opportunities in one of the country’s most dynamic regions.”
The forum will feature deep dives into:
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Market Access & Tariff Developments: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
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Supply Chain Resilience: Leveraging multimodal logistics to protect against global disruptions.
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Distribution Strategies: Utilizing Philadelphia’s proximity to New York and Washington, D.C. to capture the U.S. consumer market.
