The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a safeguard measures investigation on cement imports to counter the ‘persistent influx’ affecting the Philippine market, according to the Manila Standard. This investigation has been praised by the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), and aims to support local producers who are reportedly facing competition, despite the country’s production capacity of 50Mt/yr exceeding national demand, which is currently around 35Mt/yr.
Executive director of CeMAP Renato Baja said that imported cement from countries like Vietnam, where domestic demand is low and exports are high, affects local manufacturers. Vietnam contributes 93% of the Philippine’s cement imports, followed by China and Indonesia. According to Baja, local production currently operates at only 55- 60% of its installed capacity, which has increased production costs and forced temporary shutdowns of some plants. The DTI has invited cement manufacturers to submit their views on the imposition of safeguard measures. According to The Philippine Star, the DTI will conduct a preliminary investigation to decide if safeguard measures on cement imports are necessary. This is in line with Republic Act 8800, which allows the imposition of temporary safeguards or increased tariffs to protect domestic industries from an increase in imports.
