Although their request for a higher rate was not granted, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) welcomed and respected the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) decision to impose a safeguard duty of P349 per metric ton, or roughly P14 per bag, on imported cement.

“While we had hoped for a higher tariff, we fully respect the DTI’s decision. We view this as a fair measure consistent with trade rules and supportive of the competitiveness of the local cement industry,” CeMAP said in a statement.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque earlier emphasized that the safeguard duty will undergo dynamic monitoring and periodic review to ensure price stability and sufficient supply in the local market.

Roque also pointed out that the Tariff Commission’s recommended safeguard duty represents only about 3 to 4 percent of current retail prices.

High confidence

CeMAP expressed optimism that the new tariff will help improve local manufacturers’ capacity utilization, which stood at only 53 percent last year, allowing the industry to better meet the country’s growing infrastructure demand.

“CeMAP remains committed to ensuring the steady supply of quality cement products and to contributing to the country’s infrastructure development,” the group added.