Aboitiz Economic Estates continue to attract strong investor interest despite fresh US tariff adjustments that could reshape global trade flows, an executive said.
Monica Trajano, vice president and head of commercial strategy at Aboitiz InfraCapital, said inquiries from international clients have remained consistent, particularly from companies in the electronics supply chain.
“It’s business as usual for us. The flow of inquiries hasn’t slowed down because we’re constantly expanding,” Trajano said in a briefing.
“International locators see the scale and ecosystem we’ve built, and they always call us,” she said.
Trajano said the Philippines remains part of the “China plus one” diversification strategy of multinational companies seeking to reduce their reliance on a single market.
“We’re seeing another plus one after that plus one,” she said. “Companies are not just looking at Vietnam or Thailand, they’re also seriously looking at the Philippines.”
Trajano said the Philippines remains competitive against its Southeast Asian peers even as companies monitor planned tariff increases by US President Donald Trump.
The Philippines’ current U.S. tariff levels stand at about 19 percent, while others in the region range from 18 percent to 20 percent, she said, adding that 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 tenants attract suppliers and downstream players, creating an ecosystem that sustains growth.
While industry analysts have warned that the Philippines should remain vigilant as tariff shifts could alter competitiveness, Trajano said the company remains upbeat.
“We’re facing technical difficulties, but because of the value we’ve created, it’s business as usual for us,” she said.
