Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are approaching the future with caution, but maintain an optimistic outlook for the country’s business landscape in 2026, according to a recent survey by on-demand delivery platform Lalamove.
The survey of about 500 respondents, mostly micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), revealed that 61 percent of Filipino SMEs have a cautious but optimistic outlook for the country’s business landscape in 2026 compared to this year.
Despite this caution, 31 percent of respondents are looking forward to business prospects in 2026, while 22 percent said their outlook is unchanged and uncertain.
This careful optimism is driven by persistent challenges. A significant 83 percent of respondents anticipate that interest rate hikes and inflation will block business growth over the next 12 months.
Low consumer spending or fluctuations in customer demand are concerns for 82 percent of respondents, while 72 percent cited high logistics costs as a potential barrier to their business in 2026. These concerns reflect worries about how current uncertainties might affect profitability.
“At Lalamove, we value the insights of the many businesses we serve,” said Lalamove Philippines managing-director Djon Nacario.
“Our survey underscores both their optimism and their concerns about the business landscape in the coming months, giving us a clearer understanding of their needs. We remain focused on helping them manage costs and become more flexible through affordable and efficient on-demand logistics solutions,” said Nacario.
As the year-end approaches, Filipino SMEs are preparing for the holiday rush. Sixty percent of respondents are increasing and stocking up on inventory, and 37 percent were preparing to adjust delivery timelines as early as September when the survey was conducted. The preparation reflects optimism about normal high demand for Christmas despite recent calamities and political concerns. Furthermore, 67 percent still believe customers will look forward to usual festivity preparations, with launching holiday marketing and advertising campaigns remaining the top business strategy.
Logistics or on-demand delivery services are viewed as crucial resources, with 72 percent of SMEs citing them as among the most important for their operations. Affordable pricing is the top consideration when choosing a delivery service, followed by speed and safe delivery.
In response to the growing needs of its customers, Lalamove has enhanced its service by launching a facial recognition feature for drivers and upgrading its default insurance coverage for package loss and damage up to P20,000.
