The issuance of a Department of Trade and Industry administrative order imposing definitive general safeguard measures on imported cement is expected to lift capacity utilization in the domestic industry, preserve jobs, unlock fresh investments, and create positive multiplier effects across the economy.
The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), representing six companies that account for the bulk of local output, welcomed DTI Department Administrative Order 25-15, which imposes safeguard duties on Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and blended cement for three years.
CeMAP said the safeguard duty will be set at P14 per bag, or P349 per metric ton, in the first year, covering OPC Type 1 under AHTN 2022 Subheading 2523.29.90 and blended cement under Subheading 2523.90.00.
The group said the order aligns with the Tariff Commission’s final report under the Safeguard Measures Act, or Republic Act 8800, which found locally produced cement directly competitive with imports and concluded that a surge in inbound volumes caused serious injury to domestic manufacturers.
The Commission cited significant operating losses, sharp drops in market share and sales, declining production, and capacity utilization sinking to historic lows during the review period.
“This is truly welcome news,” CeMAP Executive Director Renato Baja said. “The safeguard duty will help raise utilization, which stood at only 53 percent in 2024.”
Baja said implementation remains the key challenge, but expressed confidence in the DTI and the Bureau of Customs.
CeMAP, he added, will partner with government by monitoring enforcement and reporting suspected non-compliance.
CeMAP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with government to build a strong, competitive, and sustainable cement industry supporting development.
