Tariff Commission sets hearing on cement dumping charges

The Tariff Commission is set to begin its own investigation on Philippine Cement Manufacturers Corp.’s (Philcemcor) claim of harmful cement dumping.

The Tariff Commission is holding a preliminary hearing next week, Nov. 27, to hear the sides of all parties concerned.

The Tariff Commission will determine if there is a need to protect local cement manufacturers and decide if quantitative restrictions should be imposed on imported cement.

Local cement manufacturers have scored a major victory with the Department of Trade and Industry’s decision to impose a provisional tariff amounting to P20.60 per bag on imported cement.

The provisional tariff will be effective only for 200 days as mandated under the Safeguard Measures Act or until the Tariff Commission issues a ruling on the petition of local cement manufacturers for tariff protection against imported cement.

The imposition of the provisional tariff resulted in the drop of local cement prices to about P125 per bag.

The Confederation of Homeowners Association for Reforms in Governance and Environment (CHARGE) is urging a further reduction in local cement prices to P100 per bag. – Marianne Go