Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque assured the public that the agency will provide a clear update on the ongoing investigation into cement dumping by January 2025.
The probe, initiated through a motu proprio referral to the Tariff Commission, aims to address concerns about the potential unfair trade practices affecting the local cement industry.
“We are working closely with the Tariff Commission to get a more comprehensive understanding of the situation,” Roque said.
“By the middle to end of January, we hope to provide an update, as this is the timeline given to us. It’s important for us to communicate more aggressively so that people are informed about the actions the DTI is taking,” she said.
The DTI said it is also gathering inputs from stakeholders, including position papers and statements from companies.
Roque said the data would be checked and shared as part of the forthcoming update.
She said the DTI remains unwavering in protecting local industries from unfair competition.
The department is also engaging with the private sector to strengthen its response to trade issues and maintain a level playing field for local businesses, she said.
The Philippine cement industry has a production capacity of 50 million metric tons (MT) annually, exceeding the estimated local demand of 34 million MT. Despite this, imports accounted for 7 million to 7.5 million MT this year, up from 7 million MT in 2023.
