“With its strategic location, well-established port infrastructure, and Freeport designation, Subic Bay provides significant opportunities for businesses involved in importing, exporting, distributing, and handling electric vehicles and related components,” said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations and Logistics, Ronnie Yambao.

Recently, the Port of Subic received a shipment comprising 80 brand-new hybrid vehicles and 20 fully electric vehicles (FEVs), marking the first delivery of a renowned EV brand to the area.

These vehicles will be distributed to the consignee’s accredited car dealers within the coming weeks. The consignee aims to increase shipments to over 500 units per week, exceeding 2,000 per month, with projected revenue of ₱6.8 million monthly.

Strategically located in Central Luzon, Subic Bay provides access to major commercial centers, industrial zones, and transportation networks across the Philippines. Its port facilities and surrounding logistics infrastructure position it as a key gateway for international vehicle shipments, including electric passenger cars, commercial electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and EV components.

For importers and distributors, the port offers comprehensive cargo-handling capabilities, warehousing, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage services to support the seamless movement of vehicles from overseas manufacturers to Philippine markets.

The increasing interest in sustainable transportation is creating new opportunities throughout the EV supply chain. Subic Bay is well-positioned to support various business activities, including the importation of fully assembled electric vehicles from international manufacturing centers.

This growth will also bolster the distribution and warehousing sectors by providing facilities for storage, inspection, inventory management, and distribution services. Additionally, it supports commercial fleet development by facilitating the supply of electric vans, utility vehicles, buses, and other fleet applications.

Subic Freeport can further assist the EV components and battery industry by streamlining the movement of charging equipment, replacement parts, and battery-related products, subject to applicable transport and safety regulations.

“Another significant opportunity lies in re-export and regional logistics, by exploring avenues to consolidate and transfer eligible vehicle shipments to other markets, in compliance with customs and trade regulations,” Yambao added.

The EV industry in the Philippines is experiencing rapid growth. The year 2026 is being heralded as the year of EVs, driven by elevated fuel costs resulting from geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, and strongly supported by the national government’s thrust to transition from traditional fuel-powered engines to electric vehicles.

EV sales accounted for nearly one in every four vehicles sold nationwide (24.7%) between January and August 2026, a significant increase from 12% in 2025 and just 4% in 2024.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), 66,685 EVs were sold during the first eight months of 2026 alone. This fleet is predominantly composed of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with 29,649 units, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) with 20,716 units, and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) with 16,320 units.

Public transportation is also transitioning toward renewable energy, with more EV public transport vehicles operating nationwide. SBMA is leading this initiative within ecozones by deploying electric buses for public transportation throughout Subic Bay Freeport.

Furthermore, five to six major public and private EV charging stations have been installed across the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as part of the agency’s commitment to achieving Carbon Neutrality goals.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Subic, welcomed a significant milestone in the port’s development with the first-ever discharge of commercial BYD passenger vehicles intended for Consumption Entry at the Port of Subic.

The initial shipment consisted of 100 units of BYD cars in various models and variants, imported as a test run that could pave the way for succeeding vehicle importations through the port. The milestone marks a promising development for Subic’s role in facilitating legitimate trade and expanding its capacity to accommodate the growing demands of the automotive importation industry.

The BOC–Port of Subic and SBMA expressed their enthusiasm over this development, recognizing the potential of the initial shipment to open more opportunities for sustained importation activities, strengthen commercial partnerships, and further enhance the competitiveness of the Subic Port as a strategic trade and logistics hub.

District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay welcomed the development, emphasizing the Port’s commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and responsive customs services to importers and other stakeholders.

“This first discharge of BYD vehicles intended for consumption is a welcome development for the Port of Subic. We are hopeful that this initial shipment will lead to continuous importation activities and encourage more companies to utilize our port. The Port remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with customs laws, rules, and regulations,” Collector Lagmay said.

The successful handling of the initial shipment also reflects the continuing collaboration between the BOC–Port of Subic and SBMA in promoting Subic as an attractive destination for business, investment, and trade. Through sustained coordination and efficient port operations, both agencies aim to support initiatives that contribute to economic activity and strengthen the region’s position in the country’s logistics and maritime sectors.

The Port of Subic remains committed to its mandate of facilitating legitimate trade, protecting the country’s borders, and delivering efficient customs services in support of the national government’s economic development objectives.

With this milestone, the BOC–Port of Subic looks forward to the possibility of succeeding BYD vehicle shipments and other commercial importations, further reinforcing Subic’s potential as a reliable gateway for international trade.