Local cement manufacturers lauded the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for its order to conduct investigation into the alleged excessive importation of cement from various countries.
In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) and the Eagle Cement Corporation said the investigation ordered by DTI Secretary Cristina Roque is a critical step underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and protecting the local cement industry from undue harm caused by excessive imports.
CeMAP earlier submitted its position paper to the DTI on Nov. 12 amid concerns on the alleged excessive importation of cement into the country.
Aside from CeMAP, the Eagle Cement Corporation also backed the Federation of Philippine Industries in its position on the need to protect the domestic cement sector.
Data from the Bureau of Customs reveals that cement imports reached 6.2 million tons from January to October 2024, which is 5 percent higher than last year. In October alone, the registered import was 870,000 tons.
The majority of imports (94%) come from Vietnam, with smaller portions from Japan with 5 percent and Indonesia, one percent.
Despite the Philippine cement industry’s ample capacity of 50 million tons annually, the local cement manufacturers said the influx of imported cement has caused substantial harm to domestic manufacturers.
They said the local production is sufficient to meet local demand estimated at 34 million tons.
“The implementation of safeguard measures, they said, is vital to mitigating these 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, promote local manufacturing in a sustainable manner, create jobs and strengthen the national economy,” they said.