The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has introduced a provisional safeguard duty of PHP400/t (US$6.90/t) on two types of cement imports to protect the domestic cement industry.
It has taken the step following an investigation into imports of Portland and blended cement between 2019-June 2024, saying it had found a “causal link” between increased imports of these cement types and an impact on the local cement industry. "The increased volume of imports, both in absolute terms and relative to domestic production, was found to be the substantial cause of the overall impairment in the local industry," the DTI said in its Department Administrative Order No 25-01 series of 2025.
As a remedy, the DTI said it would impose the cash bond on imported cement while the case is being deliberated on by the Tariff Commission, reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The duty will take effect for 200 days after the Bureau of Customs issues the enabling order.
Approximately 93 per cent of cement imports into the Philippines originates in Vietnam with a further five per cent share imported by Indonesia.
The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines has welcomed the decision by the DTI. “The various stakeholders of Cemap's member companies appreciate the support for the continued modernisation and expansion of the Philippine cement industry," the group said in a statement. “Through the imposition of [the] safeguard measure, the local manufacturers are supported by the government, also its employees, both existing and potential, and the overall economy of the Philippines," it added.
