Philippine Overhead Crane Market: The Dominance of Chinese Overhead Crane Manufacturers

As one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has seen rapid growth in infrastructure development, manufacturing and mining in recent years, driving demand for industrial lifting equipment. The continued promotion of the government’s large-scale infrastructure programmes and the entry of foreign-funded enterprises have driven the strong demand for overhead cranes and other industrial equipment in the Philippine market. At the same time, the Philippines’ local lifting equipment manufacturing industry is not yet mature, the number of suppliers is limited, the production capacity is concentrated in the manufacture of light equipment, and it is difficult to meet the market demand for large, high-performance cranes. Therefore, the Philippine overhead cranes mainly rely on imports, especially crane products from China, with its cost-effective, mature technology and perfect after-sales service in the Philippine market occupying a dominant position.

Philippine Overhead Crane Suppliers

YONG LI TIAN CHE CORP.

Yong Li Tian Che Corp. is a prominent overhead crane supplier based in the Philippines, specializing in the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of high-quality overhead crane systems. Established in 2015, the company has completed over 50 overhead crane projects, supported by a team of more than 15 skilled crane technicians.

Core Advantage:

• Local supplier in the Philippines: headquartered in the province of Batangas, Philippines, the company is able to respond quickly to customer needs and save transport time compared to imported cranes.
• Convenient after-sales service: the repair and maintenance cost of the equipment is relatively low as the company is located locally.
• Diversified crane products: We offer single girder, double girder, gantry cranes, jib cranes and many other types.
• Customised solutions: customised crane systems are available to suit different working environments and load requirements.
• Operation training: provide customers with training on safe crane operation to reduce the risk of accidents and improve productivity.
• Testing and commissioning: rigorous testing is conducted before delivery to ensure that the cranes comply with Philippine safety and industry standards.

State of The Philippine Market: High Dependence on Imports, China Dominates The Supply Chain

According to the Customs Platform 2024 data, total imports of overhead cranes in the Philippines amounted to 1,943 units. China holds the top spot with a 67.6% share (1,846 units), followed by Vietnam (28.44%) and Japan (1.4%). The limitations of the Philippines’ local manufacturing sector (only a few small manufacturers, with production capacity concentrated in light equipment) contrast with the fast-growing demand for infrastructure and mining, contributing to a persistent import dependency rate above 95 per cent.

Customs data shows that China is the top supplier of overhead cranes to the Philippines. Chinese crane manufacturers have managed to capture the largest share of the Philippine import market with their price advantage, proven technology and customised services. Since 2020, the value of Philippine imports of Chinese cranes has increased for five consecutive years.

China Crane Supplier Advantages

Geography and logistics advantages

• Sea freight cost: China is located in the east of Asia, the Philippines is located in the southeast of Asia, the route distance is close, compared with the European route to save 65%;
• Tariff relief: using China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), some import tariffs can be reduced;
• Localised service: many Chinese crane manufacturers have branches or partners in Southeast Asia to provide timely technical support and after-sales service.

Product and Price Advantage

• Price advantage: compared with countries in Europe, America and Japan, Chinese-made overhead cranes are more competitive in price, while still ensuring good quality and performance.
• Product diversity: Chinese suppliers are able to provide from light single girder cranes to large double girder cranes, as well as all kinds of customised overhead travelling cranes to meet different customers’ needs.
• Technological progress: China’s crane industry has been developing in the direction of intelligence, high efficiency and energy saving in recent years, and some of the high-end products are comparable to European and American brands.

Upgrade of technology adaptability for working conditions in the Philippines

• 60Hz grid fluctuation: customised wide voltage motors (200-250V adaptation)
• Average annual humidity of 85%+: moisture-proof electrical cabinet + nano-coated structural parts.
• Frequent typhoon weather: wind pressure resistant design (can withstand class 12 wind).

TOP5 Chinese Head Supplier: Technological Strength and Deep Ploughing in the Philippine Market

Kren WEIHUA

Weihua Crane is one of the leading manufacturers of lifting equipment in China, with products covering overhead cranes, gantry cranes, harbour cranes, jib cranes, electric hoists, etc., which are widely used in industrial manufacturing, mining, construction and other fields. Its high-end intelligent lifting equipment has been well received in the Southeast Asian market in recent years.

Core Strengths:

Modular Innovation:

• Patented low headroom design, increased lifting height
• Pre-assembled modular structure, shorter installation period

Comprehensive strength:

• Stable production cycle
• Capable of undertaking large-scale machinery projects such as harbour cranes
• Wide range of products, including special cranes and small and light lifting equipment.

Industry Expertise: Steel, Automotive, Port Logistics

Positioning: Global leader in intelligent material handling system solutions.

Kuangshan Kren

Kuangshan Crane is known for providing customised bridge crane services, especially for companies in the Philippine market that have special needs for specific working conditions. Its products cover bridge cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes and electric hoists, which are widely used in industrial manufacturing, mining, metallurgy and construction. Its products are technologically mature in terms of intelligent control and remote monitoring, providing customers with more efficient solutions.

Core Strengths:

Strong overall strength:

• Stable production cycle
• Cost-effective standard cranes
• Wide range of products, including specialised cranes and light lifting equipment.
• Annual production capacity of 120,000 units of lifting equipment

Customised solutions for the mining industry:

• Grab/electromagnetic dual-mode cranes (up to 35% more efficient ore grabbing).
• Intelligent and unmanned products

Industry Expertise: Metal Mining, Metallurgy, Bulk Terminal

Positioning: special scenario solution experts

TZCrane

TZCrane is a leading enterprise in China’s heavy machinery industry, and its crane products are widely used in mining, metallurgy, harbours and other fields. Tai Heavy’s cranes are known for their large tonnage, high precision and durability, and are the preferred supplier for some large-scale projects in the Philippines.

Core Strengths:

Ultra-heavy load capacity:

• 1,000t overhead travelling crane
• 520t casting crane

Extreme working conditions design:

• Products involved in every process from mining, dock, coking, sintering, ironmaking, steelmaking, rolling to finished product storage
• The products are used in major steel mills, iron mills, aluminium mills, copper mills, coking mills and thermal processing companies.

Large cranes:

• Industrial cranes, mining cranes, metallurgical lifting equipment

Industry Expertise: Iron and steel metallurgy, large mines, hydropower stations

Positioning: heavy lifting equipment experts

Nucleon

Nucleon Crane specialises in the development of high-performance overhead cranes, and its products are designed to emphasise energy efficiency and are particularly suitable for the steel, shipbuilding and heavy machinery industries. Its double girder overhead travelling crane is favoured in the Philippine market due to its high load carrying capacity.

Core Strengths:

Intelligent control technology:

• AI anti-shaking algorithm, swinging amplitude reduced by 95%, swing angle is less than 2%

Modular innovation:

• Product module structure, a variety of combination forms

Coverage of the industry:

• Aerospace and other precision operations
• Clean environment scenarios
• Galvanised

Industry Expertise: Precision Manufacturing, New Energy, Food & Pharmaceuticals, Yacht Cranes

Positioning: European lifting technology innovator

Dafang Crane

Dafang Crane is a well-known crane manufacturer in China, specialising in bridge cranes, gantry cranes and special cranes. The company has strong competitiveness in the Philippine market with its cost-effective and fast delivery.

Core Strengths:

Strong overall strength:

• Stable production cycle.
• Wide range of products, covering large tonnage to lightweight cranes.
• Plant steel products are available

Fast delivery and cost-effective:

• Short lead time for standard models
• High cost performance

Industry Expertise: Manufacturing workshops, warehousing and logistics, automotive maintenance

Positioning: Economic representative

Suppliers from other countries

While Chinese suppliers dominate the Philippine market, crane brands from other countries are also vying for market share, notably including:

Vietnamese Brands

Vietnam’s crane manufacturing industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with some emerging brands entering the Philippine market on the basis of lower costs and geographical advantages. However, it is still difficult to compete with Chinese suppliers in terms of product quality, technical support and brand recognition.

Vinalift

Vinalift, Vietnam Steel Structures and Lifting Equipments Joint Stock Company, established on 15 September 2006 with a registered capital of VND150 billion, is one of the leading enterprises in Vietnam in the design and manufacture of lifting equipment and non-standard steel structures in Vietnam. 

Kelebihan:

• Product Diversity: VINALIFT offers a wide range of lifting equipment, including electric hoists, gantry cranes, jib cranes, bridge cranes, harbour cranes, etc. to meet the needs of different industries. 
• Customised solutions: The company specialises in the design and manufacture of non-standard steel structures and customised lifting equipment, and is able to provide tailor-made solutions according to the specific needs of customers. 
• Extensive project experience: VINALIFT has extensive project experience in a wide range of industries, including construction, coal mining, shipbuilding, steel, harbours and power, reflecting its ability to execute complex projects. 
• A full range of services: In addition to equipment manufacturing, VINALIFT offers design consultancy, operator training, equipment maintenance, transport and installation services, ensuring that customers receive professional support at all stages of their projects. 
• Quality Management: The company implements a strict quality management system to ensure that its products and services meet high standards, which enhances customer trust and satisfaction. 

With these advantages, VINALIFT occupies an important position in the lifting equipment market in Vietnam and neighbouring regions.

Japanese Brand

Japanese crane brands are known for their high quality, precision and reliability for precision manufacturing and high-end industrial needs. However, their high prices limit their market mainly to large corporations and government projects.

Kito

Kito Corporation is a renowned lifting equipment manufacturer based in Japan, specialising in providing high quality lifting solutions.

Kelebihan:

• Product Diversity: Kito’s product line encompasses electric chain hoists, wire rope hoists, manual lever hoists, hand hoists, air hoists, cranes and their components, as well as slings to meet the needs of different industries and applications.
• Global Business Expansion: Kito has aggressively expanded its business globally, strengthening its international presence with subsidiaries or joint ventures in Germany, Canada, China, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States.
• Technological Innovation and Safety: Kito focuses on the safety and durability of its products, which are designed for continuous operation under the harshest conditions.

With these advantages, Kito has gained a significant position in the global lifting equipment market and has earned the trust of a wide range of customers.

Examples of Kuangshan Crane’s projects exported to the Philippines

Kuangshan Crane’s projects in the Philippines demonstrate the company’s unique strengths in providing customised overhead travelling crane solutions.Kuangshan Crane has successfully delivered a number of high performance lifting equipment to meet the needs of various industries in the Philippines.

5t HD Single Girder Overhead Crane Delivered to Philippines

1 set 5 ton HD single girder overhead crane delivered to the Philippines, which will be used to lift steel plates in the steel workshop. As our customer has a requirement for the height of the lift, but the height of the workshop is limited. Therefore, we choose HD type low headroom hoist single girder overhead travelling crane which can extend the lifting height.

Specific parameters:

• Lift Capacity: 5t
• Lift Height: 4.9m
• Lift Speed: 8m/min
• Span: 12.74m
• Power: 220v, 60hz, 3ac

3 Sets of Single Rope Mechanical Grab Exported to the Philippines

Grab are usually used with various cranes to lift things. There are generally hydraulic grabs and mechanical grabs. According to the different uses, the grabs are different.

Basic Parameters:

• Lift Capacity of crane:  5t
• Volume of Grab: 3m3
• Dead Weight of Grab :  2.4t
• Lift What:  Grains
• Density:  ≥0.7t/m3

Summary

The high dependence on imports in the Philippine bridge crane market has allowed Chinese suppliers to take a commanding lead in it. Leveraging on price advantage, technological advancement and quality service, Chinese brands such as Weihua, Newklen, Tai Heavy, Dafang and Kuangshan Crane have excelled in the Philippine market, catering to the needs of different industries. Meanwhile, Japanese, Vietnamese, European and American brands have also taken a share of the market, but are still unable to match Chinese suppliers in terms of cost and market penetration.

In the future, the bridge crane market will still maintain growth with the further industrialisation of the Philippines. Chinese suppliers are expected to continue to deepen their presence in the Philippine market, providing local enterprises with more advanced and economical lifting equipment solutions. For Philippine enterprises, choosing the right bridge crane supplier can not only improve production efficiency, but also effectively reduce operating costs and promote the long-term stable development of business.

krystal

Pakar OEM kren

Dengan pengalaman 8 tahun dalam menyesuaikan peralatan angkat, membantu 10,000+ pelanggan dengan soalan dan kebimbangan pra-jualan mereka, jika anda mempunyai sebarang keperluan berkaitan, sila hubungi saya!

WhatsApp: +86 199 1373 9708

e-mel: krystalli@kscranegroup.com