The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), representing six member companies that account for the majority of domestic cement production, welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) issuance of Department Administrative Order (DAO) 25-15.

DAO 25-15 enforces definitive general safeguard measures against the importation of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) Type 1 and blended cement from various countries.

The order is consistent with the Tariff Commission’s final report and recommendation pursuant to the Safeguard Measures Act (RA 8800).

The commission earlier concluded that locally produced OPC Type 1 and blended cement are directly competitive with imported products, and that the surge in imports caused serious injury to the domestic industry.

During the period under review, local manufacturers suffered significant operational losses, while market share, sales, production, and capacity utilization declined to their lowest levels.

Under DAO 25-15, a definitive safeguard duty will be imposed for three years.

For the first year, the duty is set at P14 per bag, or P349 per metric ton, covering OPC Type 1 (AHTN 2022 Subheading 2523.29.90) and blended cement (AHTN 2022 Subheading 2523.90.00).

“This is truly welcome news,” said CeMAP Executive Director Renato Baja.

He said the safeguard duty would help the local industry increase capacity utilization, which stood at only 53 percent in 2024.

“It will also save jobs, promote investments, and generate multiplier effects across the economy. While implementation remains a key challenge, we trust in the capabilities of the DTI and the Department of Finance’s Bureau of Customs. CeMAP will continue to serve as a key partner of the government, monitoring implementation and reporting any suspected non-compliance,” the official stressed.

CeMAP also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and partnership with the government in ensuring a strong, competitive, and sustainable cement industry that supports national development.