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DTI readies safeguard duty on imported cement
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DTI readies safeguard duty on imported cement

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) intends to impose a safeguard duty on cement imports to ensure a level playing field and protect the local industry.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DTI said imported cement will be slapped with a safeguard duty of P14 per 40-kilogram bag of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement. The amount is equivalent to P349 per metric ton and will be in force for three years.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque reiterated that the import duty on cement is a temporary measure aimed at restoring fair competition and protecting consumer welfare.

“This measure is intended to level the playing field between domestic manufacturers and importers and is not expected to be passed on to consumers, as the safeguard duty applies solely to imported cement,” Roque said.

Even so, she said the imposition of a safeguard duty will be subject to “dynamic monitoring” to ensure stable prices and supply to meet the demand.

In particular, the DTI will closely monitor the safeguard’s implementation and impact to prevent any unwarranted price adjustments. It will also ensure that duties remain at levels needed to address the serious injury that domestic players suffer.

“The DTI will regularly review the safeguard duty to adjust its scope and intensity in response to market conditions,” Roque added.

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The DTI said it adopted a temporary safeguard duty on imported cement following the Tariff Commission’s recommendation. The DTI noted that the levy represents only about 3 to 4 percent of prevailing retail prices.

However, the DTI said that the excess cash bond that importers pay—or the difference between the provisional and final duty assessed—will be refunded once it issues the corresponding department order.

“The department will actively regulate the effects of safeguard tariffs to maintain a balanced environment where both local manufacturers and cement importers can adapt, compete and thrive, particularly during periods of calamities or supply disruptions,” the trade chief said.

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