Philippine offshoring seen hitting $61Bn by 2030 — Robert Walters
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines’ offshoring industry is projected to generate up to US$61 billion by 2030, according to a study from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters.
The sector’s rapid expansion is also expected to create over 969,000 skilled jobs in the next five years as more international companies establish operations in the Philippines.
This projection signifies a 69% increase from the industry’s current estimated contribution of US$36 billion. This growth would elevate offshoring‘s share of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) from 8.23% to 10.14% by the end of the decade.
According to Robert Walters, the spike is part of a relevant evolution in the global offshoring landscape, where systems are redirecting from pure cost-saving to building resilient, high-quality capabilities through competent international workforces.
Why global firms choose the Philippines
The growth reflects a broader change in global workforce strategy, with international firms increasingly viewing the Philippines as a premier destination for professional talent rather than just a low-cost option. “More companies are viewing offshoring not as a cost-cutting tactic but as a talent access strategy,” said David Barr, CEO for Outsourcing at Robert Walters, in a press release shared with Outsource Accelerator.
International organizations are integrating offshore teams into their core operations to build capabilities in areas requiring deep technical expertise and cross-border collaboration.
“Companies are now starting to ask that question, where no longer is it all about cost arbitrage, it’s about accessing skills and capabilities. And the Philippines is fast becoming a location that has both in abundance. The Philippines is fast becoming a location that has both in abundance,” said David Barr, CEO for Outsourcing at Robert Walters, in an interview with ANC.
The high level of English proficiency in the Philippines, the growing pool of digital infrastructure and engineering skills, and the country’s focus on technology and transformation services are among the main reasons for this confidence in the Filipino labor force.
This foundation has enabled the Philippines to undertake increasingly complex, business-critical tasks for global operations.
Building tech and transformation hubs
The rising demand highlights a global need for technical skills, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud transformation. The most sought-after skills in the Philippines include backend programming, cloud engineering, and IT security.
International demand is coming not only from the US but also from Australia, Europe, and the UK, further cementing the Philippines as a global offshoring powerhouse.
Gavin Henshaw, Country Director at Robert Walters Philippines, added that the nation is “uniquely positioned to [capitalize] on the accelerating demand for tech and transformation talent across Southeast Asia.”
Companies investing in the Philippines are not just outsourcing tasks; they are building strategic hubs that foster innovation and enhance their competitiveness in the region. This trend involves decentralizing high-value operations to locations like the Philippines that offer strong talent pools and supportive business environments.
These results are included in Robert Walters’ most recent market research on global talent trends and offshore.
