The Aboitiz Economic Estates continue to draw strong investor interest even as the US signals fresh adjustments that could reshape the global trade.
Aboitiz InfraCapital vice president and head of commercial strategy Monica Trajana, vice president and head of commercial strategy said inquiries from international locators remain consistent, particularly in the electronics supply chain, despite tariff uncertainties.
“It’s business as usual for us. The flow of inquiries hasn’t slowed down because we’re constantly expanding. International locators see the scale and ecosystem we’ve built, and they always call us, “ Trajano said in a briefing yesterday.
She noted that the Philippines remains part of the “China plus one” diversification strategy of multinationals seeking to reduce reliance on a single market.
“We’re seeing another plus one after that plus one. Companies are not just looking at Vietnam or Thailand, they’re also seriously looking at the Philippines,” she added.
While President Donald Trump’s planned tariff increases are being closely monitored, Trajana said the Philippines is still competitive compared to its Southeast Asian peers.
Current US tariff levels stand at around 19 percent for the country, while others in the region range from 18 to 20 percent.
Electronics, leather goods, and garments, are among the products covered by exceptions.
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s economic estates in Batangas and Cebu have become hubs for global firms, particularly in electronics manufacturing.
Anchor locators attract suppliers and downstream players, creating an ecosystem effect that sustains growth.
Industry analysts warn that the Philippines must remain vigilant as tariff shifts could alter competitiveness, but Aboitiz executives remain upbeat.
“We’re facing technical difficulties, but because of the value we’ve created, it’s business as usual for us,” Trajano claimed.
