Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expressed openness to discussing a proposal from the steelmakers’ group to ban the use of induction furnaces in local steel production. Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist John Steven Magboo noted that while there is no current policy prohibiting induction furnaces for steel production, the DTI is willing to engage in discussions on the issue and the manufacturing process of steel parts.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay event in Malate, Manila, Magboo invited industry stakeholders to provide data supporting their claims that induction furnaces are incapable of consistently meeting Philippine National Standards (PNS). He stated that the BPS issues Philippine Standard (PS) licenses to those using induction and electric arc furnaces, provided their products comply with national standards.
Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) president Ronald Magsajo and Roberto Cola, a member of the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) Governing Council, reiterated their call for a nationwide ban at the same event. Cola highlighted that countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia have already prohibited this technology due to steel quality concerns.
Cola explained that induction furnace facilities lack a process to remove harmful elements from liquid steel, leading to inconsistent product quality and potential safety hazards, particularly in construction. He mentioned that following China’s crackdown on induction furnace usage, operations have shifted to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines.
Cola reported a significant increase in the Philippines’ induction furnace steelmaking capacity, from less than 150,000 metric tons annually in 2017 to approximately 3 million metric tons currently. He warned that these facilities are the primary source of substandard reinforcing and angle bars in the market.
Magsajo echoed these concerns, linking poor-quality steel to incidents like the collapse of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela and infrastructure damage from earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. He attributed part of the damage to substandard construction materials and engineering flaws.
Magsajo noted that PISI conducts regular test-buy activities nationwide, particularly in hardware stores, to ensure steel products meet industry standards. He stated they can trace the machines used to produce substandard steel, most of which involve induction furnaces. He added that of the approximately 40 steelmakers in the Philippines, 15 to 20 use induction furnaces.
