The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (CeMAP) said the imposition of anti-dumping duties on cement importation from Vietnam will support continued modernization and expansion of the local cement industry and generation of more jobs.

In a statement, cement manufacturers expressed appreciation for the move of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to impose provisional anti-dumping duties for four months on importations of cement originating from Vietnam.

“The various stakeholders of CeMAP’s member companies are grateful for DTI’s support for the continued modernization and expansion of the Philippine cement industry and the generation of more jobs for Filipinos,” according to a statement.

CeMAP pointed out that cement is a strategic industry being a critical input to the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program and in building decent homes for Filipinos.

CeMAP advocates fair competition in the domestic cement industry but believes that the continuing rise in the volume of imported cement, particularly from Vietnam, puts at risk the country's economic recovery since it undermines the domestic cement manufacturing industry's capability to contribute to and catalyze inclusive growth through job creation, tax revenue generation, improving the balance of payments, utilization of local natural resources, and overall economic recovery and growth.

CeMAP said it will fully cooperate with the investigation to be conducted by the Tariff Commission to determine whether all of the legal requirements for the application of definitive anti-dumping duties have been met.

The Tariff Commission will decide the merits of its application. “CeMAP will respect and abide with the final decision of the Tariff Commission and of DTI,” the group said.