Philippine cement manufacturers yesterday called for tariffs on cement to be reimposed during a hearing on whether to retain the duty-free status of imports.

Allowing the duty-free entry of foreign-made cement and clinker threatens local manufacturers, even as their market share has remained intact under the 0% tariff regime in place for nearly two years now, the Cement Manufacturers of the Philippines (CeMAP) said.

The Tariff Commission held the public hearing yesterday as the government mulls whether to issue another round of executive orders, as the ones now keeping tariffs at 0% – EO 862 and 863 – are set to expire next month.