Philippines-Seattle trade holds steady as AI challenges BPO sector
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Trade between the Philippines and Greater Seattle has remained stable over the past decade, reaching $1.05 billion in 2024, despite fears that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
BPO sector drives stable trade despite disruption fears
The BPO industry remains a key driver, even as AI advancements raise concerns about job displacement in call centers.
“Candidly, if we look at the five-year trend with our region, with Greater Seattle and the Philippines, it’s remained relatively consistent,” Rebecca Lovell, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Greater Seattle Partners, told The Philippine Daily Inquirer.
She acknowledged the potential threat but emphasized that regulatory and ethical debates around AI adoption leave its full impact uncertain.
Lovell noted that there are a lot of unanswered questions about the ethics of AI and how it can be properly regulated to not take the job of a call center agent. She says that the public and private sector responses will determine whether AI accelerates job cuts or spurs industry adaptation.
“Private sector has its foot in the gas, right? And public sector’s job is to cover the break,” she said.
Aerospace, education broaden economic ties
Beyond BPOs, the Philippines and Seattle maintain strong trade links in aerospace, manufacturing, and education, leveraging Seattle’s legacy as Boeing’s birthplace.
These sectors provide diversification, reducing overreliance on outsourcing amid AI uncertainties.
The region’s high concentration of tech talent—it ranks second in software engineering—also fosters collaboration in innovation-driven fields.
Lovell highlighted that while AI dominates discussions, the broader trade relationship remains multifaceted. Healthcare and education exchanges further bolster ties, offering avenues for growth even if BPOs face disruption.
However, she cautioned that 2025 data will be critical in assessing whether AI begins to alter trade patterns, saying “Now, obviously, we’re only halfway through 2025. That would be telling, to see what shifts.”
