Careers
22 May, 2025 by Cherry Pascual
Mr. Michael Kurt Raeuber, Chairman and Group CEO of Royal Cargo, participated in an in-depth discussion with H.E. Massimo Santoro, the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, during the recent Foreign Leaders’ Series hosted by the Makati Business Club last May 13 at the Fairmont in Makati.
During the discussion, Mr. Raeuber shared his insights on global trade developments and their implications for logistics and shipping in the Philippines, highlighting the country’s role as a growing player in Southeast Asia, particularly in strengthening connectivity between islands. He stated, “I think domestic shipping will increase and improve. The Philippines is one of the growth areas here in Southeast Asia, so I think it will improve,” which reinforces Royal Cargo’s ongoing commitment to supporting local movement of goods and aligning logistics services with regional growth opportunities.
Acknowledging the current trade landscape, Mr. Raeuber recognized that “the Philippines still imports more than it exports.” Despite this, he remains optimistic for a more favorable trade environment, emphasizing the role of international trade agreements. “We can only hope that exports will improve. And that is why it is very important to have the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement and the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+),” he said. His understanding of these important international agreements highlights Royal Cargo’s awareness of the broader economic influences in the Philippine trade and its proactive stance in supporting initiatives that could open access to new markets.
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As e-commerce continues to rise across the archipelago, Mr. Raeuber pointed to its growing impact on the logistics sector. “Anything that is increasing the volume of transactions is welcome and, of course, will drive growth,” he noted, echoing the industry-wide shift toward faster, tech-driven logistics services that accommodate increased demand from digital channels.
While addressing global challenges such as the US tariff adjustments on shipping, he mentioned that tariffs set by President Donald J. Trump caused volumes to slump “about 50-60%.” Nevertheless, he expressed confidence, stating, “On the other hand, I personally believe that trade with China, for one reason or another, will be going up,” pointing to possible rebounds and new trade dynamics amid ongoing negotiations.
Mr. Raeuber’s involvement in such events, alongside other business leaders, underscores Royal Cargo’s ongoing commitment to staying informed, engaging in industry dialogues, and implementing effective strategies. As the global logistics landscape continues to evolve, the company is focused on providing specialized services that cater to the needs of its partners, both domestically and internationally.
Photo courtesy of Makati Business Club.
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