The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) expects a rise in trade remedy cases this year as domestic manufacturers seek relief from sustained surges in imports, according to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Import Services.
FPI chairperson Beth Lee said that international trade is vital to the Philippine economy, particularly when imports are dumped, subsidized or enter the market in disproportionate volumes that injure local producers.
“Safeguards are lifelines, not barriers. We welcome decisive action to protect Philippine industries and consumers,” she said.
From FPI’s perspective, the most urgent safeguards sought by industry must rest on fair competition, evidence-based intervention and timely policy action.
Lee cited the DTI’s imposition of definitive safeguard duties on cement imports from Jan. 19, 2026 to Jan. 18, 2029, amounting to P14 per bag, following the Tariff Commission’s (TC) finding that surging imports caused serious injury to the domestic cement industry.
“This safeguard is a critical step to stabilize the market, protect local producers, and ensure Philippine cement is not displaced in government infrastructure projects,” Lee said.
Cement, however, is only one front, she said, adding that the local steel industry also faces sustained import pressure.
While the Philippines remains import dependent, substandard and artificially cheap steel products can crowd out domestic supply and weaken competitiveness.
“Steel is a foundation industry. Without a viable domestic base, downstream manufacturing – from machinery parts to wires, springs, and bearings – cannot compete,” Lee said.
Other sectors, including food manufacturing, also face growing competitive pressures from imports that require policy responses.
