Gov't urged to raise safeguard duty on cement imports

Cement manufacturers are urging the government to impose a safeguard duty of P600 per metric ton on cement imports to help the domestic industry survive amid competition from imports.

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Photo shows cement being poured from a mixer truck.

Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (CeMAP) executive director Renato Baja said the group has requested the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to impose a safeguard measure of P600 per metric ton on cement being brought in from overseas.

“In our prayer (to the DTI), the P600 considered the injury (caused by imports) on the industry,” he said.

He said the amount is what is considered a “fair price” for domestic manufacturers, based on the comparison of the landed cost of imported cement and the factory gate price of locally produced cement.