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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Chinese steel giant Panhua to launch $1-billion Sarangani facility in June

Chinese steel giant Panhua to launch $1-billion Sarangani facility in June

Published May 25, 2026 03:05 pm
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque (DTI photo)
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque (DTI photo)

China-based steel manufacturing giant Panhua Group Co. Ltd. will begin operations at its $1-billion facility in Sarangani province next month as part of its multi-billion investment commitment to the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the Chinese firm’s long-awaited integrated steel facility is now ready to begin commercial operations in June through the project’s first phase.

For phase one, Panhua Group will manufacture metal sheets at its facility, generating more than 4,000 direct jobs in the process.

The $1-billion manufacturing plant covers only a third of the company’s plan to invest as much as $3.5 billion in the Philippines’ steel industry.

“They’re very bullish in the Philippines,” Roque said.

Panhua Group first announced plans to invest in the country in 2018, but development lagged largely due to delays during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roque said the company’s confidence in the country is so strong that Panhua Group, one of China’s largest thin steel producers, is also interested in exploring tea manufacturing in the Philippines.

This plan was conveyed to Roque during her recent visit to Suzhou, China, where she also held meetings with other Chinese companies that have expressed interest in expanding in the Philippines.

Among these companies are NWOW Technology and Shanghai Launch, which are involved in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).

Roque said she also met with snack food maker Liwayway China, which sells products in the country under the Oishi brand, as the company plans to develop a coconut manufacturing plant that would produce goods for export to China and other markets.

The DTI chief added that she held talks with premium tea beverage brand Chagee, which already has an extensive presence in international markets, including the Philippines.

While there are no planned investment deals yet, Roque said these companies are serious about their expansion plans to meet growing demand for their products, positioning the Philippines as a key manufacturing hub.

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