The cement import rules have been changed in the Philippines, according to the Manila Bulletin. All cement importation will now have to undergo stricter testing procedures designed to determine whether the cement meets the standards required under Philippines law, irrespective of whether it has undertaken pre-shipment inspection or not.

Previously, an attempt had been made to give green lane privilege to local cement manufacturers. However, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has repealed this with a new order that will require all cement imports to be tested.

The combination of strong cement demand and low levels of domestic production make the Philippines a market with potentially rich pickings to overseas cement producers and importers. However, this is set to change in the next few years as the domestic industry is expanding its capacity. Republic Cement is adding 3Mta to the capacity of its plant, while Eagle Cement is adding 2Mta of capacity.