Concrete developments on the motu proprio probe on cement dumping that was initiated this year are expected in January, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) chief.

“We will provide a clearer update on what the situation is. This is our mandate, which we will eventually pass to the Tariff Commission because we (really) want to provide updates to the people on the aggressive moves that the DTI has been making about the investigation,” Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters.

Roque, however, said she is not privy to the number of local cement companies that have submitted their position papers.

Last month, the DTI Bureau of Import Services said they had collected comments and position papers from stakeholders.

“To date, five local companies have submitted their position papers on the said case,” the DTI bureau said in an email to the DAILY TRIBUNE last 25 November.

No further details from the DTI followed.

Wide support for investigation

According to Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) executive director Renato Baja, the organization submitted its position paper to the DTI last 12 November while Eagle Cement Corp. followed with an official letter of support shortly after.

Earlier, the Federation of Philippine Industries expressed strong support for the probe, recognizing the urgent need to safeguard the domestic cement sector.

“Despite the cement industry’s ample capacity of 50 million tons annually — sufficient to meet local demand estimated at 34 million tons — the influx of imported cement has caused substantial harm to domestic manufacturers,” according to Baja.

Further, he said the implementation of safeguard measures is vital to mitigating adverse impacts and preserving the competitiveness of local producers.

“The industry, together with its stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting government efforts to foster fair trade practices, sustainably promote local manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen the national economy,” according to the CeMAP official.

The investigation was ordered by Roque, covering cement imports from 2019 to June 2024.