Despite ongoing economic challenges, Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are entering 2026 with guarded optimism, according to the latest SME survey conducted by Lalamove, the country’s leading on-demand delivery platform.
The survey revealed that 61% of Filipino SMEs maintain a cautious but optimistic outlook on the local business environment in 2026, while 22% remain uncertain, citing similar conditions to this year. Encouragingly, 31% of respondents expressed confidence in improved business prospects in the year ahead.
However, optimism is tempered by persistent concerns. Conducted between September and October among nearly 500 respondents—mostly MSMEs—the survey found that 83% expect interest rate hikes and inflation to hinder growth over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 82% cited fluctuating consumer demand, and 72% pointed to high logistics costs as key challenges moving into 2026. These concerns highlight the continued pressure on profitability faced by many business owners.
“At Lalamove, we value the insights of the businesses we serve,” said Djon Nacario, Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines. “Our survey highlights both their optimism and their concerns, helping us better understand how we can support them. We remain focused on enabling SMEs to manage costs and stay agile through affordable and efficient on-demand logistics solutions.”
SMEs Gear Up for the Holiday Season
As the year draws to a close, many Filipino SMEs are actively preparing for the holiday rush. According to the survey, 60% of respondents reported increasing inventory levels, while 37% began adjusting delivery timelines as early as September, signaling expectations of strong Christmas demand despite recent calamities and political uncertainties.
Holiday marketing remains a top priority, with 67% of SMEs planning festive campaigns, reflecting confidence that consumers will continue traditional Christmas preparations even amid economic headwinds.
On-Demand Delivery Emerges as a Critical Business Resource
Logistics continues to play a vital role in SME operations, particularly during peak seasons. The survey found that 72% of SMEs consider logistics or on-demand delivery services among their most important business resources. When selecting delivery partners, affordable pricing ranked as the top consideration, followed by speed and delivery safety.
As demand for reliable and cost-efficient delivery grows, Lalamove continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its SME customers. The platform recently enhanced its services by introducing facial recognition for drivers and upgrading default insurance coverage to up to ₱20,000 for package loss or damage—reinforcing trust and reliability for business users.
As Filipino SMEs continue to navigate uncertainty while seeking growth opportunities, on-demand delivery platforms like Lalamove remain essential partners—helping businesses stay resilient, efficient, and ready to seize opportunities in the year ahead.
