SEAISI Proposes Three-Year Phase-Out of Induction Furnace Steel Production
The South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI) has called for a review of induction furnace (IF) steel production standards following safety concerns in Thailand and the Philippines.
During the recent ASEAN Policymakers Conference on Steel and the ASEAN Iron and Steel Forum 2026 in Manila, the South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI) raised significant concerns regarding the quality of steel produced via induction furnaces (IF). SEAISI Secretary-General Yeoh Wee Jin highlighted that the use of IF technology has become a point of contention in both Thailand and the Philippines, particularly concerning the safety of construction materials.
The discussion referenced the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building in Thailand as a case study that prompted scrutiny of steel quality. While reports indicated that approximately 90% of tested steel samples (12mm, 20mm, and 32mm) from that site met industrial standards, the incident has fueled broader calls for stricter regulatory oversight. SEAISI has formally proposed that regional authorities review current standards and implement a transition plan to phase out induction furnace production within the next three years to ensure public safety.
For residents and those involved in the construction sector, this development underscores an ongoing regional effort to tighten building material regulations. While the proposal aims to improve structural integrity, it remains to be confirmed how individual ASEAN nations will respond to these recommendations and whether specific legislative changes will be enacted to enforce the suggested three-year timeline.
