The Philippines will impose a safeguard duty on imported cement for a period of three years, amounting to P14 per 40-kilogram bag, or P349 per metric ton, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque.
The DTI adopted the Tariff Commission’s recommendation, which covers ordinary portland cement type one and blended cement.
It said the recommended rate represents only about 3 percent to 4 percent of prevailing retail prices and is intended to level the playing field between domestic manufacturers and importers. The measure is not expected to be passed on to consumers as it applies solely to imported cement.
The safeguard measure, classified under AHTN 2022 subheading nos. 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00, will be subject to monitoring and periodic review to ensure that prices remain stable and supply is adequate, according to Roque.
The DTI also clarified that any excess cash bond paid by importers, which is the difference between the provisional and final duty, will be refunded once the corresponding department order is issued.
Roque said the government remains mindful of the recent earthquakes that have affected several areas of the country, underscoring the critical need for cement in rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.
“The DTI will regularly review the safeguard duty to adjust its scope and intensity based on market conditions,” Roque said.
“We will actively regulate its effects to maintain a balanced environment where both local manufacturers and importers can compete and thrive, especially during periods of calamities or supply disruptions,” she said.
The DTI reiterated that the safeguard duty is a temporary measure designed to restore fair competition while protecting consumer welfare.
