The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CeMAP) expressed its gratitude to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for imposing a provisional safeguard measure on imported cement.

This followed a preliminary safeguard investigation by the DTI, which found prima facie evidence indicating that increased cement imports were causing harm to the domestic industry. 

The DTI highlighted that there was “sufficient evidence of the recent, sudden, sharp and significant increase in imports,” which was contributing to serious injury to the local cement sector.

Citing publicly available data from the Bureau of Customs, CeMAP noted a significant rise in cement imports. In 2024, cement imports reached an all-time high of 7.6 million tons, representing a 10 percent increase over 2023.

“The various stakeholders of CeMAP’s member companies appreciate the support for the continued modernization and expansion of the Philippine cement industry. Through the imposition of safeguard measures, the local manufacturers are supported by the government, as well as its employees, both existing and potential, and the overall economy of the Philippines,” CeMAP said in a statement.

The domestic cement industry, CeMAP said, has sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand, with an annual production capacity of at least 50 million tons. However, with estimated demand for cement in 2024 at 35 million tons and imports at 7.6 million tons, effective domestic capacity utilization is only at 55 percent.

CeMAP, the association of Philippine cement manufacturers, further emphasized its commitment to advocating for fair competition in the domestic cement industry but voiced concerns over the rising volume of imported cement, particularly from Vietnam. The group believes this surge puts the country's economic recovery at risk, undermining the domestic industry’s ability to contribute to and foster inclusive growth.

“CeMAP will fully cooperate with the next steps of the investigation, which will be conducted by the Tariff Commission,” the statement concluded.